"Dangerous Things You Must Let Your Children Do"
Someone sent me this link to view Gesser Tulley's presentation. Although he isn't a parent, alot of what he says is true. Of course I still believe in being careful!
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/202
If you don't want to take the time to view his presentation, I'll cut to the chase. He lists 5 (really 6) dangerous things your kids should do.
1. PLAY WITH FIRE - We've started fires with magnifying lenses and burnt stuff in our campfire. It was an eye opener seeing how fast dried out Christmas tree branches ignite and burn!
2. OWN A POCKET KNIFE- DS12 actually has 3. Has he cut himself? Yes. Only once though and it was good First Aid practice! DS8 will be given one as soon as he asks for one. DS8 has used kitchen knives to cut into foods.
3. THROW A SPEAR- DS12 used his pocket knife and made homemade spears. He set up targets in the yard and had a great time throwing at them.
4. DECONSTRUCT APPLIANCES- I don't think I know any homeschoolers who haven't done this. I have an old toaster, printer and Beta machine waiting for the next urge to hit.
5. BREAK THE DIGITAL MEDIA COPYRIGHT ACT- Ahh.... I plead the 5th.
6. DRIVE A CAR- This is the one we haven't tried yet. If I lived on a farm, with an old truck that wouldn't go faster than 20 miles an hour, maybe we'd try this, but since we don't, I think I'll take the boys Go-Carting as soon as Spring arrives!
The point of his presentation is too often we allow fear to limit our learning. Of course common sense and safety need to be practiced, but sometimes you need to push the envelope.
What would you add to this list?
6 comments:
I'm glad my kids are adults and l don't have to think about letting them do these things. l am the proverbial worry wart so.......
Good list! And, I so agree with the fear limiting our learning AND our lives. I think I'd add ride a bike at least once on a low traffic road or down a grassy hill WITHOUT a helmet (since so many places now mandate them). Nothing like the wind rushing in your ears and that feeling of freedom. :-)
Haven't let DS do any of these yet. The only one he asked to do was #1. He asked how to light a lighter + I showed him. He tried it once then gave it back to me. Guess it was harder than it looked. lol The only one I wouldn't do is #6. Same as you, if I lived on a farm or away from traffic he could try it. :)
Don't believe I've allowed any of my kids to do any of those. lol. I guess I'm one of the few that let fear get in the way. haha
My five year old owns pocket knives- so I guess i'm in agreement with the list, LOL. We also let them drive the car on dirt roads. Throwing spears and deconstructing appliances are good ideas to try next. We also let our kids shoot guns, LOL- in fact, they have their own. What else? Oh- how about riding on the handlebars of someone's bike? I know, doesn't have quite the same punch as the other ones, but it's definitely dangerous. I agree with locat2007 about riding with no helmet. I am very anti-bike helmet. Motorcycles- yes. Bikes- come on, give me a break.
Hey, not to change the subject, but do you remember being little and NEVER having to wear a seatbelt?!? I do. And my Dad would drive around with an opened can of beer between his legs. Boy- times have changed a little, eh?
saddly kids are very "bumperpadded" around where i live...
so let me add to the list...
climbing trees, yes.... climbing trees is very unpopular now.... kids could fall....
:)
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