Helicopter mom? Terrible parent?

Destiny

So, It has recently come to my attention that I am a total control freak and helicopter mom 🤦‍♀️ (says some people close to me.)

My daughter is 3 and I am 23 weeks pregnant with baby #2. I have always been a protective parent. I am constantly watching her every move. I let her have her space and I dont interfere when she plays but I am always there, in the background, keeping an eye on what she is doing. When we go places like the park or McDonalds to play, I am constantly watching and making sure she is behaving and no other kids are playing too rough.

When she goes to stay with my in-laws (which is several times a month) I call or text a couple times a day to check on her. Shes been staying with them overnight since she was 3 months old. I completely trust them but I still worry nonstop while shes away from me. Im not one to keep my child with me all the time. She spends plenty of time away from me and I'm fine with that. I enjoy the time away from her. I also find it hard to send her to the childrens room at church because I am constantly worried shes acting out or not listening.

It's not that when shes away from me I think she is miserable and missing me. I know she is having a blast and everyone always says she on her best behavior.

I am fully aware that I suffer from anxiety! That's the first thing my dr said when we discussed this situation. A lot happened before and after my daughter was born that flung me into a deep depression and caused my anxiety (death of my mother, miscarriage, premature birth, NICU, marriage issues, etc) To me, I'm being a normal parent, looking out for my child and trying to be a good mom. To others around me, I'm being irrational and need to lighten up.

I know you amazing ladies dont know me personally and obviously cant make an informed decision not seeing us in our daily lives but in your opinion am I being too crazy? Am I subconsciously negatively affecting my daughter? She seems absolutely oblivious to my overprotective behavior. If I am being irrational, is there anything I can do to fix this behavior?

Glow Resources

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

Glow helps you navigate your fertility journey with smart tools, personalized insights, and guidance from medical experts who understand what matters most.

25+ million

Users

4.8 stars

200k+ app ratings

20+

Medical advisors