All for risk taking, but...
Today we spent a good couple of hours in the forest by the lake. Lots of other families having a lovely time there too.
One three/four year old walked past, her parents were a bit of a way behind her - fine if we were in an open field or something as she was within their sight, but she was walking along the edge of the pond (with a big drop) AND she was holding a dog's lead - quite a big (to her) dog on the end of it. The dog was very excited by the swans and their babies and could have easily caused her to fall in. It was DH who pointed it out, so it wasn't me just being over cautious.
Anyway, not meaning to bash the family, but it did get me thinking about how we interpret 'risk taking'.
A couple of days ago I was in the woods with DD and her friend - both 9. They were building bridges over a stream with logs/branches. Some a bit precarious, but they had fun crossing them. Lots of tree climbing too. All great stuff that I love and do regularly, but DD's friend was way more daring than DD and did cause me to gasp a couple of times. I let her get on with it though (mostly) thinking that she knew her own limits. Given their age, I also let them wander further in front of me (just out of sight) than I have done before - a big step for me!
Yes, I know risk taking and education around risk taking is incredibly important, and great fun within limits.
Are you totally comfortable with letting children take risks? Do you feel that you let them take more/fewer risks than other adults with children around you? Do/did you let your own children take more risks than mindees?