I’m a Helicopter Mom Who Still Ends Up Treating Boo Boos

0

I’m a border line helicopter mom . . . ok ok . . . I’ve crossed the line, yet my child is still always getting hurt. Yes, I admit it. The dreaded “H” word. But while this moniker is typically seen as a negative aspect of parenting, I think I also use it to make sure my child is learning to behave and act appropriately. But before I delve into the positive side of hoovering, let me just put it out there and share my stereotypical behaviors of being a helicopter mom.

Yes, I’m that mom.

  • At the park, I’m following closely behind my toddler . . . as she steps off the opening of the play structure and falls 3 feet to the ground.
  • At a playdate, I’m missing out on the mom talk because my daughter stole someone’s toy or is getting pushed down the slide.
  • At daycare, I hold my daughters hand the whole way to-and-from the car and peek/spy on her through her classroom windows. 
  • At the bounce house place, I’m awkwardly squeezing though a tunnel or using my body to keep the bigger ‘wild monkeys’ from landing on my own little one.

But here’s why I think sometimes its ok to be a helicopter mom.


Full disclosure, my daughter is only 2 years old. So, on the playground following closely is for her own safety. In today’s world we’ve all seen the viral stories about the dangers of slides and other playground equipment, so for now I’m flying around and circling just like a helicopter. But I think even if you have older children, following them around and PLAYING with them is great! Go make some memories with your child(ren) while staying active. And if nothing else at least you won’t be mom shammed for being on your phone. 😉


Playdates, playdates, playdates. Whether or not it’s your child taking a toy, or having one ripped from their hands, teaching kids to SHARE is a cocktail inducing task. Most of our playdates are held in public places (indoor kid’s gyms, mall playground, parks, etc.) which means there are usually more kids around than just my daughter’s friends. The minute one kid picks up a toy, they all want it. This inevitably means someone ends up in tears. That’s where my helicopter mom instinct swoops in. Not just to comfort and console my little one, but to teach her how to handle the situation appropriately before her toddler rage breaks out. If it was stolen from her, we practice sharing and then asking for it back. If she was the thief, she must learn to apologize and return the toy. Of course, with toddlers this is all accomplished through tears, stomping feet, pouty faces, and screams of “NO!” But hey, that’s life.


A few months back, as I was picking up my daughter from daycare, she innocently tripped and busted her lip. She had been playing and showing off, just as she does most days during pick up. But there I was trying to not freak out, while cleaning up blood off her poor little mouth. I was so worried about her cut that I didn’t even think to check her teeth. But the next day I noticed the chip right on the corner of her front tooth. My just turned two-year-old, who’d never been to the dentist, chipped her tooth and now my helicopter mom-ness started to kick in.

Of course, dealing with insurance was nothing but a nightmare, and in the end we chose to just visit a highly recommended pediatric dentist while paying out of pocket. But rest assured my helicopter mom attitude was right there when choosing that dentist as I heard many doctors DON’T let parents back with their children. To me, the mother of a toddler at her first dental appointment, that was just not an option. But thankfully the doctor we chose was so welcoming and made it a great experience for both myself and my daughter. So when it comes to the health and welfare of your child I say do what makes you feel comfortable, even if it means being a helicopter.


Anyone who’s been to an indoor bounce house play place, in the heart of summer, knows that it’s pure CHAOS! Our first trip to one was a few weeks ago, and initially I tried to not be a helicopter mom. I really did try! I figured “it’s just a bounce house, if she falls down she won’t get hurt.” Yeah, that wasn’t the case. After my daughter initially tried out one of the simpler bounces, I brought her over to a “maze bounce.” Full disclosure I didn’t even notice it was a maze, and since I was trying to stay grounded, I wasn’t prepared or planning to go in with her.

As soon as my daughter entered she was out of sight I started feeling my heartbeat speed up. I walked around the perimeter several times to try and see her but had no luck. I was calling her name, which was useless with the loud music, kids screaming, and sounds of all the generators keeping everything inflated. Finally, about 7-10 minutes later I asked the teenage attendant if she could go in and see if my daughter was ok. Out she comes hysterical and clearly traumatized. I felt horrible and resolved from now on to wear my “helicopter mom” badge proudly. For the rest of our day I hoovered, I bounced, I awkwardly climbed up and through obstacles made for kids much smaller than me. But you know what? I once again made memories with my daughter and she had a ball laughing at mommy bouncing and sliding.

Even with me close by it still didn’t stop her from getting hurt though. While getting off the slide bounce she somehow managed to fall off the edge and bumped her nose pretty good. After wiping away the second set of tears for the trip, I got the inspiration for this blog post. I’m a helicopter mom who has the best intentions, yet still can’t stop her child from getting hurt. But I’m going to follow my instincts and hoover, circle, and stay close whenever I feel it’s necessary! #momtuition

Previous articleWhat I Learned from Watching My Son Read the Encyclopedia
Next articleThe Chillest Party in Town
Daphne Wiley
Daphne resides in her hometown of Royal Palm Beach, FL with her husband Steven, her daughter Brittan, their fur babies Pebbles (cat) & Sophie (dog). Growing up in beautiful south Florida, Daphne's passions for swimming and horseback riding made her choice to attend Florid Atlantic University an easy one. While at FAU she and Steven were both members of the Marching Owls band, and shared a love for sports. In her final year she was also a member of the FAU Equestrian Team. Although her original plan post college was to work in the journalism and photography field, her passion for Aquatics took her in another direction. After graduating she pursued that passion and has worked as a swim instructor, swim team coach, and lifeguard instructor at aquatic facilities in both central and south Florida. Now she currently juggles working as a swim instructor and swim team coach, with play dates, mommy and me classes, grocery shopping, and trying to remember to text her friends back! In the rare free time she has you will most likely still find her either at the pool, taking a trip to Disney, or cheering on the FAU Owls!