Recently, my eldest daughter took the plunge—literally—when she went skydiving with friends. While she soared through the sky, my husband and I anxiously awaited updates, refreshing our phones with every notification. This is just part of the parenting journey, isn’t it? The moment I became a parent, my instinct to protect that tiny human kicked in, and almost immediately, my children seemed to discover new ways to challenge that instinct.
I did everything by the book: secured electrical outlets, installed car seats, locked up dangerous substances, and had numerous talks about safety, internet usage, and the like. Yet, despite my best efforts, they still managed to get into scrapes—broken arms, fender benders, and some downright poor decisions. From their first wobbly steps (which led straight into the corner of a coffee table) to the inevitable bicycle spills, the majority of parenting felt like a never-ending chase, trying to bubble-wrap them only to watch them tear it off and set it ablaze.
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I remember one particularly harrowing experience when I put my three-month-old down for a nap and decided to tackle some painting upstairs. My husband came home briefly, and when I finally went to check on our baby, I found myself locked out. Panic set in as I realized I was unable to reach her, with no phone in sight. In a moment of desperation, I contemplated jumping out of the second-story window! It was then that a neighborhood teenager, probably unaware of the dangers of a stranger, came to my rescue after I frantically waved him over.
This child, who once locked herself in her room as a toddler, left me feeling utterly helpless. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being unable to reach a child when they need you.
And yet, every parent has faced their own unique challenges—whether it’s dealing with a chronically ill child, navigating custody battles with an irresponsible ex, or worrying about a child deployed overseas. We never read the fine print when we signed up for this journey. A friend recently shared her anxiety about dropping her daughter off at college, echoing my own concerns as mine prepares to study abroad. It’s natural to feel fear, but as Marianne Williamson said, “Love is what we’re born with; fear is what we learn here.”
Parenting is inherently risky. Right from the start, we engage in a delicate balance—keeping our children close while encouraging their independence. Our ultimate goal is to prepare them to thrive on their own.
I grew up during a time when parents didn’t hover. We rode our bikes for miles without helmets and drank from the garden hose without a second thought. I believe in giving kids the freedom to experience life—running barefoot, climbing trees, and swinging high. Yes, there are moments of sheer panic when we can’t shield our children from every potential danger. Did we really expect parenting to be only about joy and laughter? We can’t let fear dictate our parenting choices. After all, isn’t failure just a stepping stone to success?
The beauty lies in embracing risk. It’s where creativity, connection, and growth thrive. Sometimes, we need to let go of our grip on the back of the bike and allow our children to pedal ahead, learning to navigate their own path. Parenting should focus on their journey, not our fears.
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In summary, allowing our kids to take risks is essential for their growth and independence. While it’s natural for us as parents to worry, embracing the challenges and uncertainties can lead to valuable life lessons for our children.
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