Cure for overprotected kids

[cherydactyl]

Think today's kids live in the equivalent of a plastic bubble? Me too.

Five Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Kids Do
(Well, actually six)

There's one I would add: let kids get lost. I used to purposefully get lost, both in my neighborhood or nearby neighborhoods, and in the woods when we went camping. You can't find yourself if you don't first lose yourself. You don't get orienteering skills by watching it on TV.

Comments

[bitter-lily.livejournal.com]

If I'd been lucky enough to be raising kids, I'd find this really, really important. And I agree with you about letting your kids get lost. Interestingly, that's one that I could apply to my "furkid," Ivory, but I wouldn't dare. Somebody could snatch her! Hmm, maybe it wouldn't be as simple as it looks to apply this stuff to your own child....

[gizelnort.livejournal.com]

Agreed...we need children who are able to actually engage with their world and have the knowledge how to respect but approach possibly dangerous things.

[surakofb5.livejournal.com]

This is a great video. I don't know how our society got so risk-averse, but it's a shame. I agree with the speaker, protecting the kids doesn't allow them to learn.

[pattimst3k.livejournal.com]

Agreed! I see overprotective parents every day at school...so many drop their kids off right at the door because goodness forbid that the kid has to walk .00007 miles. Hell, my students are visually impaired and they walk more than others!!!
The world should not be bubblewrapped....

[orogeny2000.livejournal.com]

OOOHHHHH speaking from experience as one who was allowed to wander and whittle and poke (and even start) a fire, and more fun stuff, I have to say, I agree with him. An amazing amount of learning is done in personal exploration, and it is a great confidence, skill, and motor coordination builder. Some of this stuff is becoming more difficult, however, in places where outdoor access is practically non-existant. Still, any exposure to thak kind of oportunity is great!