Growing up, my mother never kept a close eye on me. Instead, she encouraged me to play outside while she busied herself with baking, cleaning, and socializing. It was a different time, and children were expected to play independently while mothers managed their responsibilities.
Today, I observe my daughter engaged in creative play, constructing a castle with her blocks. She squints against the sunlight, momentarily frowning before returning to her imaginative world. With her bright blue eyes, she narrates the adventures of a sleeping baby princess and her dinosaur guardians.
At times, I grapple with feelings of guilt. Should I be engaging with her more? Should I be teaching her letters instead of allowing her this free play? Do I need to be physically present on the floor to communicate my love for her?
Yet, I often find myself encouraging both my daughter and son to play outdoors, even though we live in a forest teeming with wildlife. I recall an incident when my son, at the age of three, relaxed in his hammock while a bear approached within ten feet. He ran inside, scared yet exhilarated, and still cherishes that memory. Our surroundings include coyotes, mountain lions, and owls, and while there are risks, I believe in the importance of outdoor play—though I do enforce the rule that they should not play alone at twilight.
In today’s world, there’s a prevailing notion that we must supervise our children constantly, shielding them from every possible danger and preventing mistakes. Society seems to demand that we create “bubble-wrapped” children who observe life from a safe distance. Yes, the world can be perilous, but by hovering, we may inadvertently rob them of essential experiences—memories that shape who they are.
Consider my husband’s childhood. At six years old, he wandered through the forest alone and fell on his hatchet, making the poor decision to pack the wound with mud from the Mississippi River, just like the Native Americans. That incident left him with a scar and a vivid story to tell.
Our scars tell the tales of our lives. If we overly protect our children, their bodies may remain flawless, but they will lack the meaningful experiences that guide their paths. I want my children to explore freely, make choices, and learn from their mistakes, just as I did. I lived a life filled with adventures that my mother was unaware of, and I want the same for them—a life rich with experiences and yes, even some scars.
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In summary, by allowing children the freedom to explore and make mistakes, we enable them to develop resilience and create their own stories. Embracing the adventure of parenting means sometimes stepping back and letting them navigate their own paths.
Keyphrase: Parenting and Independence
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