Swings and slides and standing back

I recently heard the term, "helicopter parent". It was used to describe a parent that hovers over their kids, interfering with their child's play whenever the child becomes frustrated, not letting their kid figure things out for themselves, and being generally over-protective.

Well, I've got to admit, that's me.

But I'm trying to improve.

Take our visit to the playground. Normally, I would climb up onto the play structures with Kylie and stand within arms distance. But today, I stood back and played with the 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens on my camera. I think this is the lens that came with my camera but I don't think I've ever used it since I prefer my macro lens.

Anyway, after Kylie played on the gym, she told me she was going to slide.

But first, she had to clear away the stick that was one the stairs. Because you know that's not acceptable. She's such a clean freak.

And up the stairs she goes and I stand back and cheer.

I think I stopped breathing right around here.

Okay, I can't stand it anymore and I've moved up a bit. I'm absolutely silent but at least I'm not chanting, "Careful, careful" like I usually do.

And now she's ready to slide down and we are both so proud of ourselves. I've let my baby bird have some wing time and it feels just fine.

And you've got to love it, she went up and down the slide five times and didn't hurt herself.

Then it was time for the swings. We both needed a breather.

I love trying to take pictures of Kylie in the swing. It's like a workout for my poor camera as it tries to focus, focus, focus. I can practically hear it panting out of breath. And I'm trying to push the swing, and aim the camera, and not get kicked in the face. I love it!


This was my favorite shot of the day.

But then there is that moment when it's time to go.

And no manner of explanation of windburned cheeks, cold hands, wet diaper, snacktime, or anything will make it easier for a toddler to leave the swings. So you just sigh, pick her up, put the screaming kiddo on your hip and walk to your car. But even with her normal good-bye tears, it was a great day.