Sorry! I’m posting this a little late this week!

I always enjoy participating in the Twin Tuesday meme at the Twin Happy blog.  This week, I’m taking part by not only answering the Twin Happy QOTW, but also by providing my views re helicopter parenting versus free range parenting.

This post is, of course aimed at parents of twins and multiples, but parents of singletons can feel free to give their views in the comments below.

First, this week’s Twin Happy QOTW:

Finish this line: You know you’re no longer a NEW Twin Mom when…

• You no longer have to plan each outing like a military operation.
• You no longer need to call on the help of a friend or family member for a trip into town or to the health centre.
• You no longer have a shopping trolly piled high with nappies, wipes, etc….
• You no longer have a pile of muslin squares in your laundry basket every night.
• You no longer have to have eyes in the back of your head trying to supervise two curious toddlers.
• You no longer get a great workout, simply by taking your twins out in their big heavy twin pram.
• You no longer have to leave a potty in the bathroom, just in case BOTH twins need to go at the same time!
• Not just close family can tell the twins apart!

Free Range V Helicopter Parenting

I was guilty of being a Helicopter Parent to my twin daughters when they were pre-schoolers.  I always hovered nervously around them in soft play areas and swing parks, trying not to say, “Ooooh! Be careful!” too often, and failing miserably. 

I’ve inherited the Excessive Worrier gene from my mother and grandmother.  From the moment my precious little girls were born by emergency caesarean section, six weeks early, I have worried constantly about them.

Now they are at school, they are becoming more independent.  I do now let them play outdoors together without me being there.  However, it’s just in the security of our back garden, and I do tend to be in the kitchen or dining room, listening out for them.  When we are walking, the girls do like to run on ahead sometimes.  Thankfully, they are both very sensible little girls with good road sense.  They always wait for me at the kerbside, so that we can cross the road safely together.

I think parents are a lot more aware of the dangers of paedophiles, murderers, bullying, dangerous dogs, boy racers, etc than of my mother or grandmother’s generations.  However, I honestly do not think our children are any more vulnerable than we were ourselves.  We have to allow our children freedom to explore, have fun and yes, even to do silly things that might harm them.  This is how they learn.

I am just thankful that my girls have each other.  They can look out for one another and protect each other, when I’m not there to do it.