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Baby-Proofing Paranoia Runs Deep ... Even Into Adolescence

We shouldn't protect our kids from everything.

Submitted by Anonymous

I think I have just found the most ridiculous baby product ever made: baby kneepads. Yep, that's right, baby kneepads. As I stood in the baby-proofing aisle, I was truly amazed to discover that I could protect my daughter's knees from the harshest of all baby stages: crawling. How badly are babies hurting themselves that there is a demand for this product?

The existence of baby kneepads bolsters my belief that we are sheltering our children from too much in this world. Don't get me wrong: I think we need to put in socket protectors, and put locks on cabinets and drawers with knives and medicine, and turn down our water heaters, etc. But baby proofing has gotten excessive these days. We try to shield our kids from every conceivable bump, bruise and scratch that they may get in the process of learning to walk and explore the world.

Failing is a part of learning. Getting a couple of bumps and bruises is part of growing up. How will kids ever learn how to do something right if they never get a chance to make mistakes?

OK, so maybe I'm a little paranoid about paranoia, but I see this constantly. As parents, we all want to build our child's self-esteem, but healthy self-esteem can handle failure. Kids with healthy self-esteem can recognize their talents and gifts and also know which areas they're weak in. I think we do more harm than good when we don't allow our kids to play a sport where they might lose. What message are we really sending our children? If they're not allowed to fail, we're telling them that their self-esteem should be entirely based on performance instead of their intrinsic worth as people. This leads to not taking risks for fear of failing.

This is the downward spiral I see start with excessive baby proofing. We don't allow our children to play on the "highly" dangerous playground. We have them play sports where scores aren't kept because we don't want winners and losers. School programs for challenged and talented kids are taken away so no one feels different from anyone else. Kids go to high schools where just turning in an assignment automatically earns them an A regardless of quality. Then they enter the work world not knowing how to compete or contribute in any meaningful way.

So, please let's throw out the baby kneepads with the bathwater and allow our kids to bruise. Then maybe they can learn how to walk.

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krdmom
krdmom
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8/5/2009 - 1:48PM
Report Abuse 		I worry about my sons knees when he starts crawling because we have hardwood floors, but I don't see us buying the knee pads. I somehow survived childhood. I believe in making sure your kids are protected, sometimes from themselves; but within limits. Children that don't get bumps, scrapes and bruises are not exploring. I'd rather bandage a boo boo then sit them in front of the tv (which is also hazardous.) I want my kids to win and to succeed (who doesn't right?) but I want them to know how to deal with failure and how to learn from mistakes. How to WORK and EARN something (not have it given to them.) Have I rambled enough yet?
luckygirl_5944
luckygirl_5944
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7/9/2009 - 8:41PM
Report Abuse 		gates can save a childs life. Knee pas can help a child not have to 'experince cuts from just crawling! but i also believe that a baby shouldn't be crawling on concrete and when they are inside mabye pants of some kind are the best thing. but seriously please use gates or your child could wind up with a big nasty gash in the top of their heads if thats the least of it.
Mom2TW
Mom2TW
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5/24/2009 - 3:15PM
Report Abuse 		Ha ha ha, this is hilarious! Anything to make a buck!
PeanutGallery
PeanutGallery
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10/18/2008 - 12:16AM
Report Abuse 		I totally agree- and thanks for pointing it out. Children who never learn to fail early on are in for crushing defeat when it comes to the real world. Children need to learn that we love and guide in failure and success- not just how to be successful and love it. Also- let's get real- kid's are supposed to learn that crawling on concrete hurts and that jumping off the couch can be rewarding or painful.
Kat220
Kat220
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9/30/2008 - 1:29PM
Report Abuse 		I think you've got the knee pads wrong, they're for outside use, on concrete that can rip of clothes and skin. It also seems like you are blowing things out of proportion. Of course no parent wants their child to get hurt but I have yet to meet even the most cautious of parents who are that bad.
apt5G
apt5G
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7/25/2008 - 2:55PM
Report Abuse 		Funny! I agree!
1sara
1sara
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6/8/2008 - 6:25PM
Report Abuse 		I totally disagree! I believe in progression, moms also had cloth diapers before and I for one do not want to use them (the new and improved are great (progression)) ,and no support tennis shoes (great on my feet) and I am sure tooth brushes have come a long way. My grandmother had never heard of orajel for her kids and I for one am glad that there are things that facilitate my life as a mom. If I can keep my daughters knees from becoming red and scraped, I will. I doubt the knee pads will keep her in so much comfort that she will not want to walk. If that were true the baby bjourn, will probably keep her from leaving me and going to college. I bought crawlybabies knee pads and my daughter is actually traveling at a faster speed = ) I will keep buying gadgets that make my crazy life easier, my daughter will find out fast enough how tough life is. = )
canaangrl
canaangrl
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3/23/2008 - 2:00PM
Report Abuse 		im all for baby proffin (sockets, tiolets ECT.) but ur kiding knee pads.... are we sending babies off to play volleyball? i am a well adjusted 18 yr old highschool senior and i never wore knee pads ( i did wear the occasion bike helmet though) i still have a few scars on my legs but i learned..... remeber experince isn't always the best teacher its the most effective.
Mom2Karma
Mom2Karma
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2/18/2008 - 9:32AM
Report Abuse 		I am really relaxed with my baby exploring her world. My husband would put her in a bubble. I think the knee pads are great if you are letting your baby crawl over broken glass, but not for everyday life. I agree everyone is too into baby proofing.
Minneapolitan
Minneapolitan
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2/3/2008 - 1:08AM
Report Abuse 		I agree...let's toss out all those anti-bacterial products too. Germs build character!
Sherry
Sherry
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1/13/2008 - 3:34PM
Report Abuse 		I agree! We all survived, didn't we? There are dangers we need to keep our kids safe from ... and then there is every day life.
mamamia
mamamia
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1/10/2008 - 2:50PM
Report Abuse 		I agree, too. I mean, come on. Kids can survive a scrape or two. I do have to admit that I make my toddler wear a helmet when she's riding her tricycle, though. But in my mind, that's a safety issue when we're on the street.
DevaD
DevaD
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1/10/2008 - 11:36AM
Report Abuse 		So funny! I totally agree. Although I feel like a bad mom because I am sooo lax with the baby proofing (no gates on the stairs, no locks on the toilets.)
Oregonian
Oregonian
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1/8/2008 - 10:29PM
Report Abuse 		This is so funny--- and you're right, kids can be SO overprotected these days!
sara
sara
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12/11/2007 - 1:36PM
Report Abuse 		I agree whole heartly


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