Hey there! I’m so glad to connect with you. I’m the anxious mom, and if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself hovering around your little ones, always on alert. It’s not that I’m angry; it’s just that I can’t help but envision the worst-case scenarios. I’m the mom who utters “be careful” more times in a day than I can count.
Every time my child attempts to scale the playground equipment, my mind races with images of accidents. Small pebbles and wood chips? I see them as choking hazards. A fun ride on Dad’s shoulders? My heart skips a beat as I imagine him leaning back and falling. And jumping on the couch? Don’t even get me started on the coffee table; I usually relocate it by breakfast time, thanks to my anxiety.
You won’t catch me hiking up local trails with my toddler strapped to my back. To be fair, a trip to the park can feel like an adventure on its own some days. While I see potential dangers everywhere, I strive to keep my worries from overshadowing my son’s experiences. Like many parents, I’m trying to strike a balance—encouraging my child to explore while respecting my own comfort zones.
Honestly, I never set out to be the anxious mom. I remember fondly cradling my pregnant belly, waxing poetic about the joys of free-range parenting, where kids could roam until dinner time. I envisioned myself as the laid-back mom, chatting with other easygoing moms while our kids played without constant supervision. But then my son, Leo, arrived, and I quickly realized how different reality could be from my expectations.
Yes, I am the anxious mom, the one who knows her kids might someday tease each other about her protectiveness. They might roll their eyes at how closely I stand by at the park or laugh at the way I tense up when their dad lets them bounce on the bed. But I also know that as I work on myself, maybe one day I won’t be the anxious mom anymore. For now, though, I’m embracing that role, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to keep a watchful eye on my kids.
For all of us navigating this journey of motherhood, we are unique women, bonded by our experiences. We deserve a space to discuss more than just our kids. If your children are out of diapers, check out our blog on navigating the tween and teen years—you might find some helpful insights. And for those interested in pregnancy resources, I recommend visiting WHO’s page on pregnancy for valuable information. Also, don’t miss this post on couple lawsuits for some intriguing reads. For expert guidance on insemination, check out this authority.
Summary:
In this piece, I share my journey as an anxious mom who constantly worries about my child’s safety. Despite my fears, I strive to balance encouraging exploration while managing my anxiety. I reflect on how my expectations of motherhood changed after my son was born and embrace my role as the overprotective mom.