There
is trend where parents gave a blanket "NO" to their children who wanted
to take risks such as walking on the wall, climbing trees, playing in
puddles, sliding on high slides etc. They don't even think "why am I
saying no? What is the issue, and is it really an issue?"
Some parents have irrational fears of ' stranger danger' and kids getting hurt have become dominant in their minds, that they no longer let their children push boundaries, or even play on their own at the local park.
The term 'Risk taking' often has a negative connotations, the reality is that the willingness to engage in some risky activities provides opportunities to learn new skills, try new behaviors and ultimately reach our potential.
Challenge and risk, in particular during outdoor play, allow children to test the limits of their physical, intellectual and social development.
The research also shown that kids who have adventurous experiences, where they move beyond their comfort zone, are the once more likely to excel. And not just physically- the ability to take sensible risks can have impact on academic and social success.
Some parents have dilemma to do these sorts of things. They want their children to do such activities. At the same time they have fear of to be deemed to be bad parents.
We have so many examples around us. The great maratha warier 'Shivaji' was allowed to take all sorts of risk in his young age. ( I don't mean by this that our kids to learn all those activities!)
Sachin Tendulkar, at very young age he started making records.
Children who are open to taking physical risks are more open to taking on challenges on other areas. They are happier, academically, to try the more difficult puzzles and tasks, and are more confident about entering unknown social groups.
' If you are used to deal with fear, you can deal with anything.'
All above doesn't mean that parents should just watch children doing things. They should give their children opportunity to take calculated risks, at the same time they should push their child a little.
Parents should find out your own child's capabilities, get then to move out of their comfort zone, not just physically, but socially.
If you help them doing things 2-3 times, they will be confident to do the same of their own, rather they will like to do it of their own. And then it will be hard to say who is PROUDER!
Some parents have irrational fears of ' stranger danger' and kids getting hurt have become dominant in their minds, that they no longer let their children push boundaries, or even play on their own at the local park.
The term 'Risk taking' often has a negative connotations, the reality is that the willingness to engage in some risky activities provides opportunities to learn new skills, try new behaviors and ultimately reach our potential.
Challenge and risk, in particular during outdoor play, allow children to test the limits of their physical, intellectual and social development.
The research also shown that kids who have adventurous experiences, where they move beyond their comfort zone, are the once more likely to excel. And not just physically- the ability to take sensible risks can have impact on academic and social success.
Some parents have dilemma to do these sorts of things. They want their children to do such activities. At the same time they have fear of to be deemed to be bad parents.
We have so many examples around us. The great maratha warier 'Shivaji' was allowed to take all sorts of risk in his young age. ( I don't mean by this that our kids to learn all those activities!)
Sachin Tendulkar, at very young age he started making records.
Children who are open to taking physical risks are more open to taking on challenges on other areas. They are happier, academically, to try the more difficult puzzles and tasks, and are more confident about entering unknown social groups.
' If you are used to deal with fear, you can deal with anything.'
All above doesn't mean that parents should just watch children doing things. They should give their children opportunity to take calculated risks, at the same time they should push their child a little.
Parents should find out your own child's capabilities, get then to move out of their comfort zone, not just physically, but socially.
If you help them doing things 2-3 times, they will be confident to do the same of their own, rather they will like to do it of their own. And then it will be hard to say who is PROUDER!
Oh nice take, seems you wish to keep writing about parenting . good keep it up .
ReplyDeleteBy the way - when are referring to some research , it is always great to cite the research - may be in footnotes ....
Great work , keep it up.