This past weekend, the first snow of winter blanketed the ground, igniting a wave of excitement for a new puppy in our home. There were visions of snowmen, sledding adventures, and steaming mugs of hot cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows.
As is tradition, families gathered at the local golf course to revel in the winter wonderland. Of course, we were technically not allowed to be there, but how could we let this magical snow go to waste? It demanded to be raced upon and glided down, creating rosy cheeks and beaming smiles against the dazzling backdrop of pure white.
The day before, in eager anticipation of the impending snowfall, my partner ventured out to find new sleds. Cheap plastic ones simply wouldn’t suffice. We scoured four different stores to find sleds that would ensure our sliding escapades were nothing short of exhilarating.
I bundled the kids tightly in their winter gear and sent them off with their dad. Sledding at the golf course isn’t my cup of tea. For one, it’s freezing. Secondly, it’s crowded and a bit perilous. Each run sends me wincing, as teenagers take reckless chances and kids dash back up the slope while others zoom down. Many are helmetless and unsupervised, and it all feels like a chaotic race.
The near misses usually elicit gasps and relieved laughter, but this time was different. What should have been a narrow escape turned into a direct collision. One moment, a joyful little girl was speeding down the hill, the next, there was a chilling silence. The unthinkable happened, altering lives forever.
Numerous adults and children had expressed concern about the risks associated with those slopes, yet we often dismiss small dangers we face daily. We think, “I’ll quickly check my phone while driving,” or “It’s just a minute; I’ll leave my child playing outside.” We close our eyes and hope for the best, especially on a beautifully brisk day. But that day, it was a sweet third grader who suffered, and my heart is now filled with prayers for her recovery.
As a result, my kids are done with sledding. No more snowboarding, no more snorkeling, no biking in the street, no jumping on trampolines, and definitely no climbing trees or swinging high on swings. We could go on and on.
Sure, I wish I could wrap my kids in bubble wrap and shield them from every possible danger, both physical and emotional, but that’s simply not feasible. Life still needs to be lived, laughter must be shared, and sledding can still happen — but let’s make sure to wear helmets. Think of it as risk management.
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In summary, while we can’t eliminate all risks from our children’s lives, we can take measured precautions and embrace the adventures that come our way.
Keyphrase: protective bubble for kids
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