Kids need to take a few risks
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381760)
Rockingham, Australia
June 9, 2024 11:42pm CST
An interesting article I read recently talked about a children’s play area where they are encouraged to climb trees, play with fire-sticks, toast marshmallows and engage in rough-and tumble and other slightly risky behaviours. While they are supervised by adults, they are free to experiment and experience a wide range of situations.
The modern thinking is that allowing children to test their limits is good for them in many ways, including their mental health. They learn about the consequences of their actions and how to gauge risks.
Some parents want to wrap their children in cotton wool but that isn’t necessarily good for them. Sure, the children might get a scrape or two along the way but they also learn a lot of vital like lessons.
The photo, which most of you have been before, is of our elder son. Seconds after this was taken, he was shot clean over the front of the swing.
17 people like this
15 responses
@annierose (21977)
• United States
10 Jun 24
The photo of your son captures a moment many parents can relate to—the fine line between letting them explore and ensuring their safety.
4 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
10 Jun 24
@JudyEv Absolutely, Judy. It's all about finding that balance. It's great to see parents encouraging their children to explore and learn, even if it means a few bumps and scrapes along the way.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (120533)
• United States
10 Jun 24
What a fantastic photo!
It’s amazing how protective parents are of kids these days. Of course, I have no children. But I look at how I grew up, to how protective my sister is of her kids, and I think, wow. To be fair, my sister and I were more mature, but still…
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
10 Jun 24
I agree with it ! The flowers in the greenhouse can't withstand wind and rain.
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
11 Jun 24
@JudyEv Kids would get first-hand experience when they take some risks."Wit once bought is worth twice taught"
1 person likes this
@rebelann (117199)
• El Paso, Texas
10 Jun 24
Children rarely learn from other peoples experiences so letting them scrape their knees and do some risky things is probably the best kind of teacher.
Heck, when I was a kid my mom just told us to go out and play and didn't baby us if we got hurt
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (135583)
• Marion, Ohio
10 Jun 24
That is a good idea. Kids are kept protected too much many times
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (135583)
• Marion, Ohio
10 Jun 24
@JudyEv Mine were always outside playing like we were when we grew up. Each boy had some stitches along with the usual bumps and bruises.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
10 Jun 24
We had a childhood like that and we all turned out fine. I don't feel that there is a need to be overprotective about children. They have these developmental needs guided by the Natural forces. They should have such kind of play time. Waldorf schools promote them for the natural growth and development.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Jun 24
@arunima25 Thanks. He really loved that swing.
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@allknowing (153544)
• India
11 Jun 24
Looks like a different version of see-saw and requires a bit of strength.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84703)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Jun 24
I am glad something like this exists somewhere. When I grew up, despite my parents trying to shelter me, that's how things were. You learned by doing. You were tought safety of course, but you were allowed to make mistakes, get hurt, get bumps cuts and bruises. Sending kids out to play was a right of passage, and something you rarely see anymore.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (97912)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11 Jun 24
That is such a cute photo. I agree that children should learn what they can or cannot do, I think it was a good idea when they started putting rubber mats in the playgrounds so if children fall it is not so bad,
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 Jun 24
He survived. I guess he yelled a bit when it happened. I can't really remember. 
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
10 Jun 24
Kids need to play. They need to spend time outdoors doing all those risky things that make good memories.
It's sad they need experts to encourage them to get out and play. I spent my youth outdoors as much as possible. No one needed to encourage me to get out and play.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
10 Jun 24
Yes, when we were young we weren't wrapped in bubble wrap. We took a lot of risks and got a lot of scrapes and bruises. Things were a lot different then. Great photos. Have a good week.
2 people like this
@Beestring (15373)
• Hong Kong
10 Jun 24
It's good to let the children discover the world.
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