Over Protecting VS Safety Guard

<Why are my parents so over protective>

I think you are mistaking over protecting with guarding safety.

<There's a difference?>

Yes. There is a difference. And a significant one at that.

Over protecting would be treating the average safety bar like it was nonexistent.

Their "average" safety bar would be the norm for elevated-high security.

Safety guarding is more along the lines of:

[Hey I know what's out there and you don't, so I need you to trust me on this.]

[I'll explain more when you show me you're ready to know]

[There are bad people there. I don't want you in the wrong place at the wrong time.]

<Okay... But who's to say what's average?>

Hmm. Perhaps whoever is in charge of said person.

<Sure then>

<But what if the "average" for one differs from the "average" of another?>

Then I'd say it is best to agree to disagree.

Look, let's say one person is not allowing their child to do something in concern for their safety;

Appreciate they care.

The kid can't control what their parent picks as safe and unsafe.

They can only control their response.

<I understand>
<It's ultimately out of the kid's control where they go/what they do>
<Best we can do and appreciate concern>