Updated: March 27, 2018 | Originally Published: March 27, 2018
At just 7 years old, my son once asked me to get him a flint fire starter. Initially, I didn’t even know what that was, but after he described it as a more dependable option than matches, I didn’t hesitate. I felt confident he wouldn’t accidentally ignite the house or turn the backyard into a bonfire, as he had observed our family managing campfires and grilling since he could walk. He had learned early on how we responsibly started, maintained, and extinguished fires, witnessing firsthand the warmth and nourishment they provided.
Despite this, many parents tend to shy away from discussing fire with their kids, often outright banning it. This trend is part of a broader issue in modern parenting, where the instinct to shield children from all potential dangers—fire being one of the most alarming—often overshadows the importance of teaching them about risk management. Experts emphasize the necessity of exposing kids to various risks, including learning how to safely handle fire, instead of avoiding them entirely. Familiarity with fire is not just beneficial; it is a crucial life skill for numerous reasons.
Simply instructing children on fire safety and warning them against playing with matches isn’t enough. We must actively teach them how to use these tools and explain their significance as essential instruments that have aided humanity throughout history.
Jack Thompson, co-founder of Wilderness Explorers Academy, advocates for allowing children to engage with “dangerous tools” like matches. He argues that teaching kids to use such tools fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for boundaries. “When children are educated about proper tool use, it equips them with invaluable survival skills,” he notes. Furthermore, fire can serve as a platform for teaching scientific principles, such as thermodynamics, the chemical transformations when cooking, and using heat for crafting and shaping materials. “The more practical applications we introduce, the more enthusiasm children develop,” Thompson adds.
So, when should we start introducing our children to matches and fire? According to Thompson, as soon as they can physically strike a match, they should be permitted to try. This means allowing toddlers to observe adults building fires safely and, as they grow, guiding them to do it themselves under supervision. While it might seem reckless to some parents, Thompson encourages letting children explore the area around the fire and, if environmentally appropriate, even allowing them to learn about burning various items.
For those who have camped or participated in scouting with their young kids, this approach may seem entirely normal—and it should be. If you haven’t had such experiences, now is a perfect time to embrace your inner fire builder and impart the knowledge that mastering fire could one day be life-saving.
While unsupervised play with matches can pose risks, the lack of knowledge on how to use them when necessary is potentially even more perilous.
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In summary, teaching children about fire safety and management is essential, as it empowers them with skills that may be vital for their safety and survival.
Keyphrase: Teaching Kids Fire Safety
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