I used to feel guilty for saying no. No, you can't hold them. No, you can't babysit. No, I'm not comfortable leaving them yet. I used to over-explain, afraid of being called overprotective. But motherhood changes everything. It teaches you that protecting your child's peace and safety is never something to apologize for. Not everyone deserves access. Not everyone who smiles at your baby has good intentions. And saying no doesn't make you controlling. It makes you aware. Because my only job is to protect the little soul I was trusted with. To keep their world soft. To let them grow up feeling safe. And if that means saying no a thousand more times. I'll do it without hesitation.