Why I Allow My Kids to Use Box Cutters

During a recent visit to my parents’ home, I overheard my eight-year-old daughter, Mia, passionately defending her right to use box cutters. While she and her cousins were busy crafting cardboard boats to race down the river, Grandma insisted that only the older kids could wield the box cutters, suggesting the younger ones stick with paper and tape.

“I’m allowed to use box cutters!” Mia exclaimed, her voice filled with indignation.

“Are you sure about that?” Grandma asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, I am,” Mia replied confidently.

Turning to me, my mom questioned, “Is she really allowed?”

“Yes,” I affirmed. “She’s very skilled with them.”

My mother’s skeptical look suggested she thought I might be a reckless parent. I assure you, I’m not! Mia has participated in at least two birthday parties themed around building cardboard forts, and she frequently engages in creative projects with her younger brother, Jake, who is six. They’ve both mastered the art of using box cutters through hands-on experience.

“Jake can use them too,” Mia added. Jake may be younger, but he has already crafted a “pizza box dinosaur” following a tutorial online, showcasing his ability to handle tools competently.

Despite her initial hesitations, Grandma relented and communicated to the younger kids that they could indeed use the box cutters. However, I could tell she was still worried about potential accidents and was silently blaming me if any injuries occurred.

Fortunately, no one got hurt, and the cardboard boat race turned out to be an incredible success.

I know I might come across as a permissive parent, but my approach is intentional. I prefer the Discovery method of teaching, allowing my children to learn skills through experience. I’ve shown them how to handle box cutters safely, but I believe it’s essential they figure out how to use them independently. Just as crows can use tools, so can my kids! Their creativity often yields surprising and innovative results.

When Mia first expressed interest in using box cutters, I considered the risks involved. Yes, there’s a chance she might cut herself, but the likelihood of severe injury is minimal. If she never gets the chance to make a mistake, she’ll take much longer to learn the proper use of blades. Children need opportunities to navigate risks, whether it’s climbing trees, jumping off diving boards, or using sharp tools, to develop essential life skills.

Mia has been using scissors since she was two and box cutters since she was six. Yes, she has had minor cuts, but when that happens, she simply grabs a band-aid and continues with her creative projects—nothing can derail her plans.

Jake, on the other hand, has needed more supervision, as he’s a bit more careless. Yet, he’s still learning and improving his skills. Both kids have experience with hammers, saws, knives, hot glue guns, and cooking on the stove. They ride bikes and ski, engaging in typical childhood activities.

It’s crucial to balance the need for safety with the understanding that some level of risk is inherent in growth. Accidents do happen, but they provide invaluable lessons. For instance, Mia once fell off her bike while riding down a hill; she cried and spat out dirt but got back on her bike and rode home. Jake tumbled out of a tree while attempting to swing like a monkey but got right back up and tried again.

I want my children to be safe, but I also recognize that life is filled with risks. I aim to equip them with the skills to assess those risks and respond appropriately. I can’t shield them from everything, but I can teach them how to handle challenges. Right now, they’re in the playroom using a hot glue gun to create snow globes from empty jars, and yes, they know to unplug it when they’re done. This morning, they even sliced their own bread and scrambled their eggs for breakfast.

Every activity carries some risk, but when that risk is balanced with the potential for positive outcomes, it’s worth it. I refuse to wrap my children in bubble wrap; they’re capable of getting their own band-aids.

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Summary:

The author discusses their decision to allow their children to use box cutters, emphasizing the importance of teaching them practical skills through experience. While acknowledging the risks involved, they believe that children must learn to assess and manage risks for their development. The narrative highlights positive outcomes from encouraging independent exploration and creativity in children, alongside the significance of safety precautions.

Keyphrase: Allowing children to use box cutters

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