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Lucy 11:47 AM 07-25-2012
This might be a question more about your OWN kids than Daycare kids, as I know things are different when you're caring for Daycare kids.

So... when you go to the park, and let's say your kids are 3 and over, do you hover over them as they make their way from one thing to another? I ask, because I just took my Daycare kids to the park, and I observed 3 different moms who just wouldn't leave their kids alone. They had to help them up the steps to the slide (and this was not one of those tall slides - it was all part of a climbing structure with different levels of platforms and such - so not really any danger of falling off), they stood next to them as they bounced on the springy rocking horse thingey, they followed them over to the 4-sided teeter-totter and bounced one side of it with their foot, etc., etc.

Ok, I can see shadowing a 2 yr old or younger, but these kids were very capable of managing the equipment on their own. And it wasn't only shadowing, they were giving instructions and suggestions the whole time, as well as affirmation. I'm just thinking that the kids are never going to learn independence if you don't leave them alone! My philosophy is to stand back and watch, making sure they're not in danger of hurting themselves or others, and supervise from an appropriate distance. I had my mom with me, and we kept looking at each other and rolling our eyes about these moms! Sit down!!! Let the kids learn what to do and what NOT to do.

What's your take on this? Oh, and there was one mom who was the total opposite. Her 3 kids were running wild, going up the slide from the bottom, SITTING in the bowl of the water fountain, throwing bark chips, etc., while she stood and talked to a friend and never once corrected them. Sheesh!
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EntropyControlSpecialist 12:02 PM 07-25-2012
Not a fan of helicopter parenting, even for toddlers. Monitor your children, correct inappropriate/dangerous behavior, and let them explore. It does them a disservice to not allow them to entertain themselves and explore on their own.
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Lilbutterflie 12:04 PM 07-25-2012
I have the same philosophy you have, sit back and watch. Make sure they are able to manage the playground safely on their own, give them help when they ask for help, but stand back and supervise.

If there is one thing I learned while being a daycare provider, is there are so MANY different types of parents out there!! I have to keep my mind open sometimes and tell myself "My way is NOT the only to parent". But sometimes it's just ridiculous the things parents will do!

I was at Chick Fil A the other day. Here in TX, they all have indoor playgrounds in a completely separate room than the restaurant. The restaurant patrons can see, but not hear, the kids playing because the walls are completely glass. After we finished eating, I let my two kids go play. I went inside to watch them, just to keep a closer eye and make sure they were behaving since there were lots of kiddos in there. I was the only parent in there with about 15 different kids using the playground!! There were boys climbing up the sides of the playground that were not meant for climbing (very dangerous). I told one he should not be climbing up that way and he said "My mommy lets me do this". Yet his sister argued back and threatened to go tell his mom what he was doing. Another group of kids started horseplaying right on the floor in front of me; kicking, hitting, punching each other hard. Not a parent in sight. We left and I told my kids they would be in BIG trouble if I ever saw one of them acting that way!!
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Heidi 12:06 PM 07-25-2012
Absolutely not a helicopter parent here!

I have never lifted my child onto any piece of climbing equipment, or commented on well they did it. The reward for trying is the accomplishment, not me yelling "oooh...you're awesome". If I have to help them up there, they shouldn't be on it. I just tell them "when your body is ready, you'll be able to do it...keep trying" Some of my older dck's want to "help" their little buddies...not allowed!

They also swing (swung?) on their bellies until they could get themselves up. Well, ONE of my sons was really good at getting other mommies to push him...lol. They'd give me dirty looks for it, but hey, I didn't tell you to push my kid just because he has those big blue eyes!

I would sit on the park bench talking with another adult (if available) and keep and eye on safety issues (or bad manners). The only exception is some of the really old play grounds with the low-sided tall slides. Then I stand nearby to spot them. I haven't seen one of those for years, though.
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daycare 12:07 PM 07-25-2012
I dont judge other peoples parenting....the fact that they are there with their kid at the park says a lot to me. We don't know their reasoning for their actions. Maybe they are first time parents or the childs first time to the park?

Sorry not trying to sound rude, and I know what you are saying, but I just would just not have labeled or judged anyone's parenting style.....
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Lucy 12:19 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by heidi:
absolutely not a helicopter parent here!

I have never lifted my child onto any piece of climbing equipment, or commented on well they did it. The reward for trying is the accomplishment, not me yelling "oooh...you're awesome". If i have to help them up there, they shouldn't be on it. I just tell them "when your body is ready, you'll be able to do it...keep trying" some of my older dck's want to "help" their little buddies...not allowed!

They also swing (swung?) on their bellies until they could get themselves up. Well, one of my sons was really good at getting other mommies to push him...lol. They'd give me dirty looks for it, but hey, i didn't tell you to push my kid just because he has those big blue eyes!:d

i would sit on the park bench talking with another adult (if available) and keep and eye on safety issues (or bad manners). The only exception is some of the really old play grounds with the low-sided tall slides. Then i stand nearby to spot them. I haven't seen one of those for years, though.
exactly!!!
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Lucy 12:20 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
I dont judge other peoples parenting....the fact that they are there with their kid at the park says a lot to me. We don't know their reasoning for their actions. Maybe they are first time parents or the childs first time to the park?

Sorry not trying to sound rude, and I know what you are saying, but I just would just not have labeled or judged anyone's parenting style.....
That's fine!
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cheerfuldom 12:23 PM 07-25-2012
I dont do helicopter at all. Even my 14 month old is on her own and she is not even walking yet. I am all about hands off parenting. I dont carry big kids or get involved in their play. I rarely push kids on the swings or direct their play in anyway outside of making sure they are safe and appropriate with one another. But I will say that my kids are very independent. They fall and get back up and move on. They figure out how to use things on their own. I dont have to monitor them every second of the day. My 4 year old can pour her own milk and make a PB&J sandwich on her own.

I think helicopter parenting can back fire in a huge way. I have a 3 year old here that will not take the small step up into my house .....she waits for her mom to lift her and will cry in terror if someone doesnt help. She NEVER does this for me or for her dad. But mom is a helicopter mom in the extreme and does every single thing for this child and now, the child will not do anything on their own if mom is present. Its hard to watch when you know that she can do it and mom has trained her to be helpless.

I understand what the PP has said about judging. I dont think that helicopter parenting is the worst thing you can do to a kid and yes, there are many ways to parent that result in a well adjusted child. I dont feel that I am judging so much as stating my observations as I have seen it in my experience. I think a lot of parents get stuck in the "baby mode" and dont know how to transition on to the next stage in their childs life. It is usually not from bad intentions.
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Blackcat31 12:40 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by Heidi:
Absolutely not a helicopter parent here!

I have never lifted my child onto any piece of climbing equipment, or commented on well they did it. The reward for trying is the accomplishment, not me yelling "oooh...you're awesome". If I have to help them up there, they shouldn't be on it. I just tell them "when your body is ready, you'll be able to do it...keep trying" Some of my older dck's want to "help" their little buddies...not allowed!

They also swing (swung?) on their bellies until they could get themselves up. Well, ONE of my sons was really good at getting other mommies to push him...lol. They'd give me dirty looks for it, but hey, I didn't tell you to push my kid just because he has those big blue eyes!

I would sit on the park bench talking with another adult (if available) and keep and eye on safety issues (or bad manners). The only exception is some of the really old play grounds with the low-sided tall slides. Then I stand nearby to spot them. I haven't seen one of those for years, though.
we were definitely separated at birth.

Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I think helicopter parenting can back fire in a huge way. I have a 3 year old here that will not take the small step up into my house .....she waits for her mom to lift her and will cry in terror if someone doesnt help. She NEVER does this for me or for her dad. But mom is a helicopter mom in the extreme and does every single thing for this child and now, the child will not do anything on their own if mom is present. Its hard to watch when you know that she can do it and mom has trained her to be helpless.
Have the same child here. Mom has robbed him of the ability to figure out what comes next or to have any type of self-help skills. I feel so badly for him. It wasn't a big deal when he was young but it has now come to the point that the kids younger than him have passed him up and he now appears delayed.

I have also run into issues where he can do what he wants at home and wants to climb on the counters or play with light switches because mom can't ever say no so he has no boundaries and has major tantrums here when he is told no here because that word is never used at home.

Christmas is a perfect example. I spent days teaching the kids to NOT touch the ornaments on the tree. One day this mom arrives and her kid points at the ornament hanging in the doorway and mom says "Oh, you want to touch the ornament?" and lifts him up to touch it! I was like...seriously????????? WTH? (*sigh*)
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dave4him 12:42 PM 07-25-2012
If my kid falls, no matter what age, i want to be there to catch her.
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dave4him 12:43 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by Heidi:
Absolutely not a helicopter parent here!

I have never lifted my child onto any piece of climbing equipment, or commented on well they did it. The reward for trying is the accomplishment, not me yelling "oooh...you're awesome". If I have to help them up there, they shouldn't be on it. I just tell them "when your body is ready, you'll be able to do it...keep trying" Some of my older dck's want to "help" their little buddies...not allowed!
.
I love helping my kids up on stuff so they can have fun just like their big sister. But everyone has their own way i suppose, i also have the "you're fine, walk it off" mentality too, so it goes both ways. Depends
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countrymom 01:16 PM 07-25-2012
nothing bugs me more than other people who want to help my dck's (mine are older) luckily known of my dcps are helicopter parents, must be a county thing haha!
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Michelle 01:22 PM 07-25-2012
I was at the Nature Center one day and they had a Mommy group there with 20 or so 3-4 year olds and the moms were nonstop rattling on and on to the kids like."Johnny, see the bird? what color is it? look at the squirrel! what do they eat? "
without even letting the kids answer, then they answered for them and they were just dragging them along the trail like this.

My kids would once in while spot an animal and asked if we can stop at the sign to read about it. I let them discover these things on their own and we are quiet to not scare the animals away.

So, yes helicopter parents drive me nuts!
and believe it or not they think they are awesome parents and they do this to kinda show off how awesome they are.


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Meyou 01:32 PM 07-25-2012
I don't lift, push or otherwise help at the playground. They get to have the fun when they can get it to work themselves! I have crawlers that can go to the top of the slide, turn around and go down on their bellies feet first so they land on their feet. They rock!
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daycare 01:43 PM 07-25-2012
I don't help kids....


I was taught in my safety class that if they can't get on the play equipment (or whatever it is) on their own, then they should not be on it. I agree with this 100%. If I let the kids get on this that were not really capable of doing themselves, I am sure it would end bad or I would have to be there to hover over them and I can't and won't do it.
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littlemissmuffet 02:29 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by Lucy:
This might be a question more about your OWN kids than Daycare kids, as I know things are different when you're caring for Daycare kids.

So... when you go to the park, and let's say your kids are 3 and over, do you hover over them as they make their way from one thing to another? I ask, because I just took my Daycare kids to the park, and I observed 3 different moms who just wouldn't leave their kids alone. They had to help them up the steps to the slide (and this was not one of those tall slides - it was all part of a climbing structure with different levels of platforms and such - so not really any danger of falling off), they stood next to them as they bounced on the springy rocking horse thingey, they followed them over to the 4-sided teeter-totter and bounced one side of it with their foot, etc., etc.
I don't even do this with my younger daycare kids. They need to learn and explore on their own. I'm there to supervise and help, and intervene when needed - but that's not very often. All my daycare kids are fine climbing, going down the slide, etc at 16-18 months.
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Heidi 03:15 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
I don't help kids....


I was taught in my safety class that if they can't get on the play equipment (or whatever it is) on their own, then they should not be on it. I agree with this 100%. If I let the kids get on this that were not really capable of doing themselves, I am sure it would end bad or I would have to be there to hover over them and I can't and won't do it.
Yep...my sister ended up having to block off her rainbow climber because one dcp encouraged 10 yo dcb to help little brother, 11 mo dcb onto the equipment at the playground. Now 11 mo has a taste for it...and has figured out how to get up on the highest slide. NOT SAFE, since he does not have the cognitive skills judge the danger. It wouldn't even have occurred to him yet had big brother not "helped" him....
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youretooloud 03:26 PM 07-25-2012
No..I'm of the "just try, if you fall, try again" mentality.

Obviously within reason. But, I'm all for kids climbing higher and longer until they can do it the way they want.

In the 60s, we had playgrounds with a steep, wide, slide, with no ladder... you just had to keep trying to get up it by yourself. The only way to get up it was to keep practicing. 45 years later, I can still remember the pride I felt when I finally got up there by myself. My brother had been doing it forever, but it took me at least a year of trying.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7776581...n/photostream/ <--doesn't that look hard? Can you imagine your three year olds trying to do this?

It's even called an "earn a slide".
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Heidi 03:33 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by youretooloud:
No..I'm of the "just try, if you fall, try again" mentality.

Obviously within reason. But, I'm all for kids climbing higher and longer until they can do it the way they want.

In the 60s, we had playgrounds with a steep, wide, slide, with no ladder... you just had to keep trying to get up it by yourself. The only way to get up it was to keep practicing. 45 years later, I can still remember the pride I felt when I finally got up there by myself. My brother had been doing it forever, but it took me at least a year of trying.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7776581...n/photostream/ <--doesn't that look hard? Can you imagine your three year olds trying to do this?

It's even called an "earn a slide".
That's cool! I want one! It looks safer than the narrow, low-sided things we climbed on...you can't really fall off the edge of it. In fact, I see one of those in the picture behind the cool one.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 05:02 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by youretooloud:
No..I'm of the "just try, if you fall, try again" mentality.

Obviously within reason. But, I'm all for kids climbing higher and longer until they can do it the way they want.

In the 60s, we had playgrounds with a steep, wide, slide, with no ladder... you just had to keep trying to get up it by yourself. The only way to get up it was to keep practicing. 45 years later, I can still remember the pride I felt when I finally got up there by myself. My brother had been doing it forever, but it took me at least a year of trying.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7776581...n/photostream/ <--doesn't that look hard? Can you imagine your three year olds trying to do this?

It's even called an "earn a slide".
I'm in my early 20s and wouldn't be able to earn it.
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countrymom 07:46 PM 07-25-2012
the above poster hit it dead on, helicopter parents want to prove to people that they are the best parents, kind of like showing off kwim. I can't stand it when they start asking their kids a million questions, do you think the kids care, nope.
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Lucy 07:54 PM 07-25-2012
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
I don't even do this with my younger daycare kids. They need to learn and explore on their own. I'm there to supervise and help, and intervene when needed - but that's not very often. All my daycare kids are fine climbing, going down the slide, etc at 16-18 months.
I don't either. I just picked age 3 out of the air. I had a newly turned 2 yr old, and she was on her own today just like the other kids. I agree with the statement that if they can't get up on something by themselves, they shouldn't be on it at all.

I do have to say, though, that I don't care for the merry-go-round thing. (Is that what you call it even when it doesn't have horses??? lol) Bigger kids will spin it really fast, and younger ones either get scared, or aren't holding on well enough and slide to the outside edges. I've seen kids go flying off those and roll under them. If we're one of the few people at the park, or there aren't any bigger kids hanging around, I'll let them go on it. Otherwise I tell them to stick to the other equipment. It's more MY hang up of seeing it I guess. I didn't really like them as a kid either.
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My3cents 04:24 AM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by countrymom:
the above poster hit it dead on, helicopter parents want to prove to people that they are the best parents, kind of like showing off kwim. I can't stand it when they start asking their kids a million questions, do you think the kids care, nope.
Every parenting book you pick up encourages talking and communicating with your child- Show interest- Ask them questions- interact with your child- What voice to talk in- Same with when you go to trainings- Helicopter parenting is encouraged in our society.

When I am with my child that is what I am doing, engaging with the child and watching our for her clumsy safety. I don't want a trip to the emergency room.

It does drive me nuts, but I can see how I could be labeled

Drives me more nuts when a parent can't say NO or won't say No and thinks that nothing is off limits. UGH!

I am all about discovery but I am all for safety too!
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dave4him 04:26 AM 07-26-2012
Most playgrounds around here are easy to get on for a one year old, that doesnt make them safe for a one year old.

Of course when i first saw this topic i thought of the kind of parents who swoop in at drop off and pick up, like a helicopter
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Kaddidle Care 04:53 AM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by Lucy:
This might be a question more about your OWN kids than Daycare kids, as I know things are different when you're caring for Daycare kids.

So... when you go to the park, and let's say your kids are 3 and over, do you hover over them as they make their way from one thing to another? I ask, because I just took my Daycare kids to the park, and I observed 3 different moms who just wouldn't leave their kids alone. They had to help them up the steps to the slide (and this was not one of those tall slides - it was all part of a climbing structure with different levels of platforms and such - so not really any danger of falling off), they stood next to them as they bounced on the springy rocking horse thingey, they followed them over to the 4-sided teeter-totter and bounced one side of it with their foot, etc., etc.

Ok, I can see shadowing a 2 yr old or younger, but these kids were very capable of managing the equipment on their own. And it wasn't only shadowing, they were giving instructions and suggestions the whole time, as well as affirmation. I'm just thinking that the kids are never going to learn independence if you don't leave them alone! My philosophy is to stand back and watch, making sure they're not in danger of hurting themselves or others, and supervise from an appropriate distance. I had my mom with me, and we kept looking at each other and rolling our eyes about these moms! Sit down!!! Let the kids learn what to do and what NOT to do.

What's your take on this? Oh, and there was one mom who was the total opposite. Her 3 kids were running wild, going up the slide from the bottom, SITTING in the bowl of the water fountain, throwing bark chips, etc., while she stood and talked to a friend and never once corrected them. Sheesh!
Hmm well.. I'd rather see a parent going overboard than not paying attention at all.

I think first time parents are more prone to this and I'll admit that I was slightly guilty of this with my first as well. He was terribly uncoordinated and I do remember doing some of what you mentioned here. We all make mistakes with our first children.

10 years later with the 2nd I just watched from a distance and corrected him if he was trying to go up the slide the wrong way, etc. I was older and he was much more coordinated than my first. He was and still is the type of kid that you could bring anywhere alone and he'll find a friend to play with - very outgoing and very opposite of my first child.
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Truly Scrumptious 05:06 AM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
I don't help kids....


I was taught in my safety class that if they can't get on the play equipment (or whatever it is) on their own, then they should not be on it. I agree with this 100%. If I let the kids get on this that were not really capable of doing themselves, I am sure it would end bad or I would have to be there to hover over them and I can't and won't do it.
Exactly....in my experience, kids will pay attention and will be more careful on their own, if they don't have that "safety net".
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countrymom 05:15 AM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
I don't help kids....


I was taught in my safety class that if they can't get on the play equipment (or whatever it is) on their own, then they should not be on it. I agree with this 100%. If I let the kids get on this that were not really capable of doing themselves, I am sure it would end bad or I would have to be there to hover over them and I can't and won't do it.
I totally agree. If they can't get up, well then they shouldn't be on it. the park across the street from me has this rope (its a pirate ship) that you have to walk across. Well one day there was a man (gpa) trying to help all my dck's across, I had to let him know that if they can't do it by themselves then they shouldn't be on it. Nothing drives me more crazy then kids who holler "help me do this, help me get across"
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SunshineMama 05:40 AM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by Lucy:
This might be a question more about your OWN kids than Daycare kids, as I know things are different when you're caring for Daycare kids.

So... when you go to the park, and let's say your kids are 3 and over, do you hover over them as they make their way from one thing to another? I ask, because I just took my Daycare kids to the park, and I observed 3 different moms who just wouldn't leave their kids alone. They had to help them up the steps to the slide (and this was not one of those tall slides - it was all part of a climbing structure with different levels of platforms and such - so not really any danger of falling off), they stood next to them as they bounced on the springy rocking horse thingey, they followed them over to the 4-sided teeter-totter and bounced one side of it with their foot, etc., etc.

Ok, I can see shadowing a 2 yr old or younger, but these kids were very capable of managing the equipment on their own. And it wasn't only shadowing, they were giving instructions and suggestions the whole time, as well as affirmation. I'm just thinking that the kids are never going to learn independence if you don't leave them alone! My philosophy is to stand back and watch, making sure they're not in danger of hurting themselves or others, and supervise from an appropriate distance. I had my mom with me, and we kept looking at each other and rolling our eyes about these moms! Sit down!!! Let the kids learn what to do and what NOT to do.

What's your take on this? Oh, and there was one mom who was the total opposite. Her 3 kids were running wild, going up the slide from the bottom, SITTING in the bowl of the water fountain, throwing bark chips, etc., while she stood and talked to a friend and never once corrected them. Sheesh!
Way too much helicoptor-ing for me! I let my kids (1.5 and 4) go wherever they want in the park, and I stand back, but keep an eye on them to make sure they are playing appropriately. I think that kids learn by their mistakes. My 1 year old can climb anything at our park confidently, but she has had 1-2 falls in her life that taught her how to master her skills. I dont have to helicoptor over her, and she has a sense of autonomy. I have also seen parents hovering over their 3 year olds and it is pretty annoying.

I had an interview once and set up play doh for the 3 year old to play with my daughter at the kitchen table while we talked. The whole time the mom was on edge and freaked out that he wasn't in a booster seat. She was afraid he would fall 1 foot off of the chair Of course the child was completely fine and played happily- but I didn't accept that family into care, obviously.
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Michelle 08:12 AM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by countrymom:
the above poster hit it dead on, helicopter parents want to prove to people that they are the best parents, kind of like showing off kwim. I can't stand it when they start asking their kids a million questions, do you think the kids care, nope.
Some of the kids were actually holding their ears because the moms were trying to "out do each other"

I definitely agree with open dialogues and asking leading questions to kids that need it (quiet shy kids) but I don't know any quiet kids!

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EntropyControlSpecialist 10:08 AM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by SunshineMama:
Way too much helicoptor-ing for me! I let my kids (1.5 and 4) go wherever they want in the park, and I stand back, but keep an eye on them to make sure they are playing appropriately. I think that kids learn by their mistakes. My 1 year old can climb anything at our park confidently, but she has had 1-2 falls in her life that taught her how to master her skills. I dont have to helicoptor over her, and she has a sense of autonomy. I have also seen parents hovering over their 3 year olds and it is pretty annoying.

I had an interview once and set up play doh for the 3 year old to play with my daughter at the kitchen table while we talked. The whole time the mom was on edge and freaked out that he wasn't in a booster seat. She was afraid he would fall 1 foot off of the chair Of course the child was completely fine and played happily- but I didn't accept that family into care, obviously.
I had an interview recently where a Mom said she sometimes feeds her 23-month-old Cheerios. Only sometimes, though, and "she hasn't choked YET." Nearly 2 and barely getting fed things like Cheerios due to a fear of choking ...
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mema 11:36 AM 07-26-2012
Park time is their time. If you can get on it and do it properly, go for it. If you can't get on it, well, eventually you will be able to. I sit/stand back and watch. The only time I get involved is if they are doing something they aren't suppose to do. Hitting, kicking, throwing wood chips, running up slides. I also don't push on swings. If they can get up-great! They can give each other pushes just fine and take turns.

This morning we were at the park and there were 3 other families there. 1 that stood at the sides and watched and 2 that were climbing all over helping the kids up the stairs and rope ladders. The playground is not that big, but then you go and throw 4 adults on there with the kids and that is just asking for trouble.
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youretooloud 01:23 PM 07-26-2012
I DO stand next to the fire pole entrance and tell them "no". It's seven feet in the air, and they just simply can't do that one. That is the only rule I have so far.
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MsMe 02:25 PM 07-26-2012
I don't care if a parent wants to follow their child around to all of the play equipmant, but my complaint is when they narrate the ENTIRE time.

Good Job Sally
Oh Sally, yes, you are so big
Oh wow!
oopsie!

LOUDLY so the whole park has to hear every deatail of every second of every thing Sally did today at the park!!!


There was a lady their one day that was so happy she named her son Zander that she started AND finished every sentance with his name. Zanader you are so big today, love Zander!
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youretooloud 03:16 PM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by MsMe:
but my complaint is when they narrate the ENTIRE time.
I was just listening to someone do this the other day. The poor kid was just trying to play. His mom kept saying "Where is the yellow block?...can you find the yellow block? This is yellow, is this yellow? YEL-LOW"

"Oh for the love of god, let the kid play"
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cheerfuldom 03:17 PM 07-26-2012
Originally Posted by MsMe:
I don't care if a parent wants to follow their child around to all of the play equipmant, but my complaint is when they narrate the ENTIRE time.

Good Job Sally
Oh Sally, yes, you are so big
Oh wow!
oopsie!

LOUDLY so the whole park has to hear every deatail of every second of every thing Sally did today at the park!!!


There was a lady their one day that was so happy she named her son Zander that she started AND finished every sentance with his name. Zanader you are so big today, love Zander!
ahhhh! I cant stand this parent!!! I met one the other day that calls her daughter "pickle pants"......wth? I was with the family for about 30 minutes and was so mentally exhausted from hearing all the narration and the cutesy nickname 1000 times. The daughter did not listen to the mom at all and tuned her out to the extent that she would not respond to any instructions from her mom. poor kid is beyond sick of it too.
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providerandmomof4 04:54 PM 07-27-2012
Not a fan of helicoptering and I often think, "God, maybe the kids could play together if you would go sit down." Of course, I do remember before daycare when I would go to the park with my daughter and play princess in the tower, always forced to be the dragon while she was the princess trapped..kinda miss it because nowadays the majority of our park visits I have to keep track of 6 children. BUT.. my daughter would have always rather played with another child if there was one available!
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Tags:helicopter parenting
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