I am believing more and more that the way we rear our children can cause fears and phobias. I have never liked the term "free range children," because it sounds too cattle-like to me. But I am coming to understand that term more and more.
When I was a child, I was never allowed to do certain things - do things that would cause me to get dirty, go places that could be less safe than others, etc. I was never allowed to go hiking, for instance, for fear of snakes and insects. I was never allowed to go to a lake because the water would be dirty. I was never even allowed play in the dirt. Believe it or not, I never even finger painted until I was in sixth grade. I was always pushed toward academics. Now, don't get me wrong, I have always enjoyed academics; but, to this day, there are some phobias that I have.
A good example happened on Friday evening. Kelsey and I took Taliesin and Nathanael to Salina's new water park. Now, you have to remember, I had not been in water other than the bathtub or sprinkler park since I was eight years old when I took two swimming lessons before I quit for various reasons. I am now thirty-five. Taliesin and Nathanael had a blast; and, I admit, I did, too. It was so nice letting go and just having fun. I think what really made it sink in was when Taliesin went down a small water slide, and I could not bring myself to. I have told myself, when we go back, I am going to go down that slide.
Since we have started unschooling (back when Taliesin was three years old), I have done things that I have never done before - hiking in the hills, finding rocks at the lake, playing at the water park. I think what I see is that I do not want Taliesin and Nathanael to allow fear to hold them back. I see children whose parents are afraid, much like my mom was, to allow their children to be children. I know what that feels like as an adult. I do not want Taliesin and Nathanael to grow up with those fears. I want them to be adults who aren't afraid to swim in the ocean or climb a mountain or fly an airplane or travel around the world (Taliesin's goal).
So does that make me a believer in "free range children"? I still do not like that label. And I still exercise caution with my sons. I'm not going to let them roam around anywhere they want to go alone. I do believe in adult supervision. But I also believe that children should be given the opportunity to try new things, even if that means scrapes, bruises, dirt, and bug bites.
Kandy
Flagstone and Other Rocks
1 week ago
5 comments:
i hear ya on the fear thing - personally i really dig the 'free-range' label - makes me think of happy little chickens clicking away in the yard :)
i'm sure your fears will continue to melt away as you see your wonderful sons blossom!
I think you misunderstand the term "free range" children. I was a very over-protective mother, but I managed to raise free range children (before someone coined the phrase). It isn't about letting them do whatever they want (trust me - I am a "rules" mom), but it is about allowing them to be children and to explore.
But then I like bugs, dirt, water, fish... Children left alone with me are expected to be returned to their parents dirty. Healthy dirty.
I'm glad you're letting go of your phobias a little bit, Kandy!
I know what you mean, Jaci. I have had more than one daycare parent express concern that their kids come home dirty - as in playing outside, painting, gardening, etc. I actually have it in my contract to be sure to send children in play clothes! LOL
Kandy
I enjoyed reading this, Kandy. Great things happen when we allow our children the freedom to learn through experience whenever it is reasonably possible.
I love it when our kids move out of our comfort zones. Sometimes I just look away... otherwise my heart is in my mouth. But it's a good learning experience for THEM and ME!
Post a Comment