Being A Mom Stresses Me Out!

I worry too much...but only about certain things.  I realized today that I am -- well -- I'm just gonna come right out and say it -- overprotective!  Charles told me yesterday that one of the boys in the cove was going to teach Zachary how to ride a rip-stick.  I seriously think my heart skipped a beat.  I blame it on my job.  Is that a good excuse?  I have seen some pretty bad things.  The smallest thing gone wrong can injure you for life.  This is definitely a case of "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing"!  Aaaaagh!  Actually, it is quite frustrating.  I'm trying to get better - really I am.  There are some things I do not bend on tho.  I am and forever will be a helmet nazi.  I don't care what you are riding on, if it has wheels on it, you'd BETTER be wearing your helmet.  That is non-negotionable.  I'd also prefer to you to be wearing wrist guards and knee and elbow pads, but you know... I'm also fanatical about knowing who they are with and where they are going.  I want to be able to put my hands on them at all times.  We all know it, but there are crazy people out there.  It is a sad state of affairs when you have to remind even the older ones about being careful when they go to the bathroom at Chik-fil-A!  I know they will grow up and this too shall pass, but we live in the end times...this isn't Mayberry (but it would be cool if it was!)  :-)

Even when they spend the night out...a TINY part of me is a little anxious.  It isn't that I am worried about them...I know they are in excellent care.  I don't know --  I just like having all my chicks under the same roof.  I'll be a basket case when they go to college (yes - that is already being talked about!)  Maybe it's just my job to worry.  Now don't misunderstand...I'm not biting my nails or wringing my hands...it's not like that.  It's the "mom" in me.  I see lots of parents who frankly appear to not really give a flying flip about what their kids do - whether it's wearing a helmet or jumping in the car with a group of friends to go across state lines to go to a party.  To which I wonder, "why are you a parent?"  Well, I could guess, but that is a whole different blog!

I suppose as a mom you start to "worry" that moment your heart starts beating outside your body.  When you look into that little face and promise them you will always love and protect them.  As they age, the things you "worry" about change too.  When they are tiny you fret over every little cough...then when they start to eat nothing but mac and cheese you "worry" they aren't getting the nutrition they need...then they start school and you "worry" about social skills...then they get more independent and you "worry" -- well, you get the idea.  It is a never ending cycle!  Fortunately, I know each of my kids rests in God's hands.  He had loaned them to me to guide them and teach them and for that I am very honored.  He knows their plans and nothing comes a surprise.  To me?  YES!  To Him?  NO!  That is a huge load off me....but still....I'm going to do my best to steer them in the right direction!  Now where is the bubble wrap????