Please don't assume I don't care about my child because I'm not following him around. I do care, just as you care about your child. I'm here and trying to let my child learn independence in what I've decided is a relatively safe environment. He knows where I am and that, if he needs me, I'm here for him. As he explores his world and interacts with others, I try to stay back so he can experience through his own lens, not mine.
If he does something to hurt or upset your child, I'll step in and remind him to use gentle touches, take turns, ask permission, and that it is not nice to hurt others. I will encourage him (not force him) to apologize and ask how he can make the situation better. Interpersonal skills and problem solving are things we need to teach. It starts by setting a good example through our own behavior.
If you think I don't see something my child has done, talk to me! If he takes a toy from your child, please don't yell at my child then snatch the toy back from him. I'm fine with "parent the child in front of you" but his childish behavior does NOT give you the right to behave like a child yourself.
Kids DO learn how to solve their own problems, when we let them. Where's the growth, learning, and independence if you fixing everything for them?
This is NOT about which parenting style is better. We each have our own style and if it works for us, that is what is important. We can respect that about each other and teach our children to respect each other and respect different opinions.
