The treatment that ton received from his mother and what he received from Mr.Weems were very different. Mr.Weem protected Ton, but helped him learn to protect himself and face the world, showed him that things are not always perfect, but that Ton had to adapt and keep fighting. Ton's mother also protected him, but did not teach him to protect himself. Ton's mother was overprotective and acted as if Tom was too fragile and needed her for anything.
If we compare how Tom is treated by his mother and by Mr Weems, it can be said that his mother is overprotected. She even change her the tone of voice (like a whisper) in order to take care of him. She gave everything ready for him so he should not do the effort. On the other had, Mr Weems helped him find a job and gave him a place to live. He helped Tom when he fainted at work, hiding him to avoid being fired from it.