As a parent, one of the biggest hurdles I face is remembering to hit the brakes and really connect with my kids. Now, I’m far from perfect, but I genuinely value everything my children bring to the table, the good and the not-so-good. Just recently, I found myself chatting with my 5-year-old son about the big moment of taking the training wheels off his bike so he could ride like a “big kid.”
Of course, he balked at the idea and expressed his fear of riding on two wheels, worried he might get hurt. In my quest to impart the wisdom of life as I see it, I often break down tough lessons into bite-sized pieces. Transitioning from training wheels to a free-wheeling bike can be daunting for a little one, so my initial response was classic dad—“Just suck it up!”
But then, we plopped down together on our scorching driveway and shared a light moment about that phrase. I took a moment to explain that feeling scared about new experiences is completely normal. I told him that throughout life, opportunities to confront the unfamiliar will arise, and it’s essential for our growth. Fear can be such a powerful emotion; if we allow it to dominate our decisions, we risk stagnation.
And then, out of nowhere, my son locked eyes with me—this was unusual for him—and said, “Dad, you can’t change the world if you’re scared.” Wow. I was taken aback, speechless for a moment. I quickly affirmed his insight, emphasizing that he should never forget those words.
This exchange made me reflect on how adults often complicate things unnecessarily. Life isn’t as hard as we make it out to be, and while change often brings about anxiety, it’s a natural response meant to protect us from harm. Embracing change is vital for personal and professional growth. Sure, we might not all be world-changers, but surrendering to fear means we might never even try.
Once we accept that life will sometimes hurt, we can start living without fear and truly embrace the beauty around us. So, thank you, little buddy, for imparting that crucial lesson. One day, you might read this and realize how much you’ve shifted my perspective at just 5 years old.
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In summary, my child taught me that courage is essential for growth, and fear shouldn’t dictate our choices. Life’s experiences, even the tough ones, contribute to our journey and enrich our lives.