All I see

[beldarzfixon]

I’m gaining perspective on the old phrase, “ignorance is bliss.”

When you are a child, how often are you aware of how much danger is around you, under your feet?

It amazes me sometimes to look back, think on things we did as kids, nearly oblivious to the hazards. Some parents freak out about children riding unrestrained in the back of a pickup; I

Comments

[karmasoup]

I get this. I'm from the generation of "What were our parents thinking?" kids. I think a lot of it has to do with the immediate availability of media now, where everyone finds out the moment someone's sister gets impaled by a lawn dart, and they become banned in the US for life. Back then, everyone watched the same news broadcast with Walter Cronkite, and what happened to some random Jenny in Montana wasn't ever going to make the five o'clock slot... there just wasn't time. Our folks weren't thinking anything. They were just blissfully unaware. And now, we're not. There's multiple angles to consider in that, but, for sure, it makes it more likely we can figure out how to keep our kids off a compilation reel on YouTube. And I'm okay with that.

[beldarzfixon]

Good points. I do miss lawn darts, but knowing how recklessly we threw them I totally understand their ban :)

[adoptedwriter]

I hear ya on this! I hate wearing a bike helmet now, but I feel I have to set an example for the kiddies lest I be a "bad mom". LOL

[beldarzfixon]

I grew up without bike helmets, but I understand their need. On the other hand I live in a state where you can ride a motorcycle without a brain-bucket -- so what's wrong with that picture? =)

What's weird to me is that kids are told to wear helmets while horseback riding -- ???

[adoptedwriter]

Ohio has the same goofy (lack of ) law for motorcyclists. I think the horseback riding helmet law went into effect not long after actor Christopher Reeve fell off his horse and was paralyzed. I think he and his wife became activists for that to prevent other ppl from having the same injury.

[roina_arwen]

Very relatable piece! I’ve known more than one person have their foot impaled on a stray nail - not fun!

[beldarzfixon]

The parts about stepping on nails in this piece were true. I still marvel on the miracle of putting the nail between my toes

[nikkiii_brown]

I can absolutely relate to this piece! Some nights I lay awake just thinking about all the crazy/horrible things that could happen to my kids. It's a hard fight trying to not keep them trapped inside a bubble.

[beldarzfixon]

When you are a kid and something happens that one inch in another direction could have been deadly, you laugh it off. When you are an adult you look back on that and shudder -- when you are a parent, you have to fight the urge to be sick at the thought.

But the "bubble" does more harm than good, I think.

[cacophonesque]

I try to remember the things I did that felt really daring, but we're relatively safe, and encourage my daughter toward those activities. Kids need some level of risk--and climbing a tree fits nicely in the "feels risky but isn't super dangerous" realm.

I actually think bike helmets and seat belts are really great things and should be used. But maybe we can let the kids go outside for a while on their own to build forts and solve their own problems.

[beldarzfixon]

Good idea! Thanks for reading