A few weeks ago, my oldest daughter went skydiving. She jumped out of a perfectly good plane with her friends, while my husband and I anxiously watched our phones, hoping for updates on her safe landing.
Such moments are part of the parenting journey. From the instant I became a mom, my instinct shifted to prioritize the safety of my little one. Yet, it seemed that shortly after, my children began to find ways to test those boundaries.
I took all the necessary precautions: outlet covers, car seats, locks on cabinets, and discussions about strangers, the internet, and safe choices. Yet, despite my best efforts, they still managed to get into scrapes, accidents, and other mishaps—from their first wobbly steps to the countless bike crashes. Most days felt like I was chasing them around with bubble wrap, only for them to toss it aside and seek adventure.
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I remember a time when my three-month-old was napping, and I attempted to tackle a home project upstairs. My husband, following our usual habit, unknowingly locked the door behind him when he left for lunch. When I heard my baby stir, I rushed downstairs only to find myself locked in. Panic set in as I calculated the risks of jumping out the window. My attempts to break down the door failed miserably. Eventually, a nearby teenager heard my frantic calls and came to my rescue, proving that sometimes strangers can be our saviors.
This child also had her share of adventures, like the time she locked herself in her room as a toddler. I sat on the other side, fingers touching beneath the door, desperately trying to unlock it. It’s one of the most agonizing feelings for any parent—being unable to reach a child in need.
Ask any parent of a child facing chronic illness, or those navigating the complexities of shared custody, and they’ll tell you that fear is part of the package. As my friend recently dropped off her daughter at college, she expressed her worries about being far from her. I understand her concerns; my daughter is set to study abroad, which brings its own set of fears, especially in today’s world. But as Marianne Williamson wisely states, “Love is what we’re born with; fear is what we learn here.”
Parenting is inherently about taking risks. From the moment our children are born, we engage in a delicate balancing act: keeping them close while allowing them to explore the world. The ultimate goal is to prepare them to navigate life independently.
Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, I remember riding bikes without helmets and drinking from garden hoses without a second thought. I cherish the idea of climbing trees, running barefoot, and experiencing life without excessive caution. Yes, there are moments of fear and worry, but we can’t let society’s obsession with safety overshadow the importance of learning through experience.
The beauty of risk is that it often leads to connection, creativity, and personal growth. Sometimes, we must take a step back and let our children learn to ride without training wheels. After all, parenting should focus on their journey, not our fears.
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In summary, allowing our children to take risks is essential for their growth and development. It’s a balance of love and letting go, ensuring they learn and flourish in a world full of opportunities.