I read this article recently on how a bump or bruise can actually be good for children to experience. Speaking from my own experience, I tend to agree. When I was growing up, I lived a sheltered life, living indoors most of the time. I never got a chance to learn how to skate, ride a bike, or climb a tree. Fortunately, by 13 years old, I moved to Canada and was able to learn how to do all of those outdoor activities. I got my fair share of cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruises. With determination and encouragement from my friends, I got to overcome my clumsiness.
I don’t fully blame my parents for overprotecting me, because the living conditions in Jakarta was not (still isn’t) conducive to outdoor activities. So now that I have a child of my own, I intend to let her have her fair share of the outdoors. Kaitlyn is a very active little girl. There were occasions that she would bump her head on the car door, scrape her hands on the driveway, or scratch her knees while running and falling on a paved road. We worry about her well-being, but I think over protecting her is counter-productive. I also believe this experience will help her determine what to avoid and develop her coordination. She is 2 years old now, and as toddlers go, she’s quite strong physically — and mentally too, not crying at every falls and bumps.
I am looking forward to teach her how to ride a bike, roller blade, and play golf!
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indeed, they do need to get a few nicks here and there.. or else they wont really grow up ..
That applies to everyone really. Gotta go through the pains, the get the gains.
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