Do Worry Too Much?
I know I do. I have been told oftentimes that “worry is my middle name.” This cliché spans generations and cultures and is, I believe, quite true especially for parents. I remember how my mom acted when I was in high school. Mobile phones were not common those days and there was no way of keeping track of children at all times. That is why we had curfews. Then I went to college. I had to call home several times a week to reassure the parents that I was fine and was staying clear of trouble.
Now that I am all grown up, I suppose it is but natural to carry the tradition of worrying about children. Will my kids be safe in school? Are they in danger of being bullied in the play ground?
I can just imagine the predicament of parents who have teenagers. Would they be all right when they go to parties? Would they have the willpower to withstand peer pressure and do the right thing? Would they be safe driving?
Is this kind of worry healthy or is too much? I read an article at BC Local News which shared a heartwarming story:
She remembers talking many years ago to her brother-in-law, my now dearly departed Uncle Val. I was about 12 at the time, so my brothers would have been 15 and 17.
“I know our generation is going to make it through life with jobs and being financially stable, Val, but I worry about the children,” said Mom, whose fears raising three boys by herself at such a time could certainly be justified.
My uncle paused for a moment, then told Mom something she never forgot.
“Don’t worry,” he told her soothingly. “You and I have made it growing up through the Depression as children ourselves and, as young adults, through a world war. Our own parents certainly had cause to worry about us, too.
“Our kids will survive, adapt to their surroundings and thrive in love and life as much as fate permits.”
He was right. It’s true, completely true. Only I still worry. And, like Mom, probably always will.
The author was right – worry is part of the job.
Photo courtesy of kellynocca
August 4th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I know what you mean. I worry all the time. My son is 14 months old and I still stop and wait to see movement when he is sleeping just to make sure.
I agree, worrying is just part of being a parent but there are things to help you worry less like giving you kid a cell phone (for emergencies only) and being careful who they are making freinds with.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:08 am
SO true. I think it’s the worst part of the job. The worry adds to your stress the most.
August 7th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Oh, I agree! The worrying makes me feel sick to my stomach. Mine are only 2 and 4 and I just dread the day they start driving.
Beth
August 8th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Thanks for that reminder!
I have an Aunt that worries about everything. Most of the things she’s worried about have never happened so she jests that her worrying helped.
We do the best we can, teach them to the best of our abilities, and then rely on help from other sources.
Great blog!
August 8th, 2008 at 8:53 am
worry is natural for parents and it is needed to some extend. over worry is the problem
August 9th, 2008 at 7:16 am
a little bit of worry is a very healthy thing for parents. Too much can overwhelm you and your children. Great blog!