It doesn't matter what you responded to. You made a statement comparing a parental restriction with living in fear. THAT is what is absurd.
If I said I would restrict my kid from having a coke, one could state reasonably that that was an overly strict view. However, that restriction doesn't necessarily equate with "living in fear." If you want to argue the restriction, argue it. But don't assume it is fear based.
There is a HUGE difference between being careful and being fearful. I often carry a handgun. Is that out of fear? No, because I'm not afraid of much of anyone. I can physically handle virtually any confrontation that might arise, but I choose to be prepared in case I'm put in a situation where my physical abilities will do me little good (like dodging bullets!). I refuse to let emotions (i.e. fear) dictate my personal habits consistently, but I'll be damned if I'm not going to use my good sense to know when more than normal care should be taken.
LOL,,,when you are in a hole, stop digging.