Many readers have emailed over the years about being accused of being overprotective, especially after deciding to homeschool. I always answer, "Well yes, of course we are overprotective!"
If by overprotective you mean:
1) Watching my children constantly when we are out somewhere? Yes we are overprotective in this area. If a child has severe health issues (i.e. seizures, asthma, allergies) or behavioural issues (i.e. hitting, overstimulated easily) then of course we're going to keep one eye on the child constantly. I swear I can see them when I'm not even in the room! Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children are safe ALL the time?
2) Overseeing every aspect of their education? Yes we are overprotective in this area. As homeschoolers, we are more responsible for their education then ever before. It's more than 'get your homework done' after supper arguments. Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children are getting the best education possible?
3) Saying no to certain foods? Yes we are overprotective in this area. Often special needs children are affected by the foods around them. We will say no to sweets, colours, gluten, if we feel it is the best possible option for our children's health. Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children make healthy choices?
4) Having our yard fenced in and locks everywhere? Yes we are overprotective in this area. Do you know how many autistic children are lost every year or hit by cars because of lack of security? Do you how many children are taken by Childrens Aid Societies because they do not understand the eloping of autism or wandering? Do you know how many children drown due to lack of safety around pools? Hundreds of children have these things happen every year. Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children are safe in all regards?
Mortality Rates (2010):
1-4 years of age
Number of deaths: 4,703
Deaths per 100,000 population: 28.6
Leading causes of death
Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Congenital malformations
5-14 years of age
Number of deaths: 6,147
Deaths per 100,000 population: 15.3
Leading causes of death
Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Cancer
(http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/children.htm)
As parents with special needs kids, we can't afford to shoo them off to play to get a break, dire consequences could happen during that time. We can not justify leaving them in a situation that is harmful, where they are bullied, or worse. We can not without a guilty conscience, not be overprotective. We happen to love our children and want them to grow up safe, healthy, and happy. It's our responsibility as parents, is it not?
I'm overprotective and I make no apologies for it.
If by overprotective you mean:
1) Watching my children constantly when we are out somewhere? Yes we are overprotective in this area. If a child has severe health issues (i.e. seizures, asthma, allergies) or behavioural issues (i.e. hitting, overstimulated easily) then of course we're going to keep one eye on the child constantly. I swear I can see them when I'm not even in the room! Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children are safe ALL the time?
2) Overseeing every aspect of their education? Yes we are overprotective in this area. As homeschoolers, we are more responsible for their education then ever before. It's more than 'get your homework done' after supper arguments. Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children are getting the best education possible?
3) Saying no to certain foods? Yes we are overprotective in this area. Often special needs children are affected by the foods around them. We will say no to sweets, colours, gluten, if we feel it is the best possible option for our children's health. Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children make healthy choices?
4) Having our yard fenced in and locks everywhere? Yes we are overprotective in this area. Do you know how many autistic children are lost every year or hit by cars because of lack of security? Do you how many children are taken by Childrens Aid Societies because they do not understand the eloping of autism or wandering? Do you know how many children drown due to lack of safety around pools? Hundreds of children have these things happen every year. Isn't it the parents responsibility to make absolutely positively sure our children are safe in all regards?
Mortality Rates (2010):
1-4 years of age
Number of deaths: 4,703
Deaths per 100,000 population: 28.6
Leading causes of death
Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Congenital malformations
5-14 years of age
Number of deaths: 6,147
Deaths per 100,000 population: 15.3
Leading causes of death
Accidents (unintentional injuries)
Cancer
(http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/children.htm)
As parents with special needs kids, we can't afford to shoo them off to play to get a break, dire consequences could happen during that time. We can not justify leaving them in a situation that is harmful, where they are bullied, or worse. We can not without a guilty conscience, not be overprotective. We happen to love our children and want them to grow up safe, healthy, and happy. It's our responsibility as parents, is it not?
I'm overprotective and I make no apologies for it.
5 comments:
A Big AMEN!
As a mom to a child (12) with Prader-willi syndrome, autism, ADHD, allergies...etc (you get the point) I am so glad to read this. I have good friends and some have children with various needs but your list hit it completely on the head for me. Here I was thinking I had the only child that had to have a constant eye on him....sometimes it feels like that! (it's nice to know I"m not alone)
LOL RP. Glad you agree!!
You're definitely not alone. I'm glad you enjoyed the post! It's our job to keep our children safe. We just happen to have to keep them a little safer than other parents. ;)
~Jen B
Thanks for this post. Just today I got told how homeschooling parents are ones who want to completely control their children, and dont allow them to be responsible or socialize etc etc...I know whats right and whats not, but it helps to hear the good and true when you just heard the bull.
:D
Keep writing!
Sigh. It is disheartening and I have those words a lot over the years. I am thankful for the comments to remind me that I'm not alone either!
Thanks! :)
~Jen B
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