From Shopping Trips to the Ocean, a Mom Worries

I have an active imagination. Occasionally, and especially when it comes to my kids, it can be catastrophic.

There are enough reminders in the news everyday that bad things can happen.  I struggle with allowing my kids the freedom to do what kids are supposed to do and the responsibility of keeping them alive and safe forever. 

Logically, I know I can’t protect them from everything.  Emotionally, I want to with every fiber of my being.

I try to remember what being a kid and teenager was like, the need for freedom, trying to prove you’re old enough and responsible enough. In my youth, I didn’t always live up to the responsibility, but I managed to do a pretty good job.

I remember being driven to the movie theater when I was about 15 or so.  My best friend’s mom was dropping us off and picking us up. We were excited about the movie, the potential for cute boys to be there and the sweet, sweet freedom. 

Her mom instructed us that if either one of us had to use the bathroom or get popcorn or anything, we were to stay together. We did the ever-popular teenage eye roll and said, “OK.” 

Her mom really felt the need to drive the buddy system rule home.  “I’m serious girls; promise me you’ll stay together.” My friend replied with an, “All right mom, geez!”

The words that followed have remained in my head for more than 20 years. “You know what?  A girl can’t even go shopping without getting thrown in the ocean!”

We were unaware of a national news story regarding a woman who went shopping, disappeared and was later found in the ocean. We thought it was hysterical, we’ve joked about it for years. The sad realization is, now, as a parent, I get it. 

I am guilty of listing everything that could possibly go wrong in any scenario. I’ve actually complained that my kids may be too sweet and innocent. Before a trip to Disney World, I talked about stranger danger so much with my then 3-year-old son that he told my parents that Disney was full of bad guys. 

I am trying to find the balance. I know I can’t be alone in this. I’m sure my parents sent me off to camp with smiles on their faces and butterflies in their stomach.

So here's my question for you moms (and dads) out there: How do you handle this as a parent? Do you quietly worry, hoping you’ve taught your kids how to be safe? Are you completely OK sending them out in the world and maybe (just maybe) I’m a little too paranoid? 

Let me know by filling in the comments section.