Is it being over protective to keep a strict eye on your child?

My mother-in-law has told my husband and I that we are too over protective of our daughter.  We make sure she doesn't get into things that are dangerous when we are at other people's houses.  I follow her when she is playing outside so she doesn't get hurt.  My mother-in-law just wants us to sit and chat with her when we come over but my daughter is a toddler.  She wants to play with their kitty's litter box by sticking things into it.  Gross!  Their house isn't child proofed either so there are many things that she may get hurt on.  I don't feel it is being over protective to be a good parent and prevent my child from being injured.

There is a difference between being cautious and being a helicopter parent. If you are treating your daughter like the baby in a plastic bubble then, yes you are being over protective. Remember that less is more. Essentially less of you will allow her to explore the world around her freely. Inventors, scientists and explorers used their natural curiosity to spark their careers. On the other hand, if you just quickly child proof the home or remove potential dangers this is good. Invite your mother-in-law to walk with you as you follow your child too.

I see it like this, you are supposed to keep an eye on your child, but just remember that one day she will start school and when that happens, you won't be there every waking moment, unless you homeschool her....start preparing her for that transition, gradually start letting up on the reins, you can still keep a close eye so that she won't harm herself, but let her start learning to be independent.