| As children grow, so does their desire to become | | | | should let them make their own choices, while |
| independent. Although it may be challenging at times, | | | | pointing out the consequences that may arise from |
| as parents we need to recognize this desire, and in | | | | those choices. Someday they must face the world |
| fact encourage it in age-appropriate ways. As your | | | | without us, and part of our job is to prepare them |
| children grow and become more independent, you will | | | | for that. We must let them run, but be prepared to |
| see many changes in them. Their self confidence will | | | | catch them when they fall, as they must from time |
| increase as they overcome obstacles and are now | | | | to time. We cannot take their steps for them, we |
| able to do things that were once beyond their ability. | | | | can only point out the path. |
| Often they will become more willing to take risks and | | | | It's hard to imagine when they are small, but |
| try new things. Our job as parents is to find the right | | | | someday very soon they will be walking, riding a bike, |
| balance between kids' desire for independence and | | | | even, God forbid, driving! If we are overprotective, |
| the need to keep our kids safe. | | | | overly restrictive of our child's activities, they are |
| Kids need to be allowed, in fact encouraged, to take | | | | likely to grow up ill prepared to meet and overcome |
| appropriate risks. The goal for parents is to | | | | the challenges they must inevitably face. |
| determine how much risk is appropriate. The right risk | | | | Of course, safety is always paramount and cannot |
| level for your child will depend on their age, | | | | be compromised. If your child wants to do something |
| developmental level, and temperament. It will change | | | | that risks life and limb, try to find a way that you |
| over time, and there are few hard and fast rules | | | | can minimize that risk to an acceptable level - hold |
| that apply to every child, beyond keeping them from | | | | their hand, be prepared to catch them, etc. If you |
| hurting themselves or others. | | | | can't find a way to do that, you may have to forbid |
| It is impossible for any of us to live completely | | | | the activity, in which case you should explain to them |
| risk-free. Every time you put your kids in the car you | | | | as clearly as you can why it is too dangerous. |
| are putting them at risk. It is a fact of life. | | | | Ultimately, no matter how much we warn them, |
| So what's a parent to do? We must encourage them | | | | most children have to burn their finger on the stove |
| to explore their world and expand their boundaries, | | | | at least once before they learn not to touch it. Our |
| while setting clear limits where safety is an issue. We | | | | job is to keep that burn as small as possible. |