Children are often recommended to learn in an active learning environment, but most children at school sit down at a desk for 8 hours a day. Scientists who’ve studied the effects of having children only experiencing indoor activity have stated that we are doing our children a disservice by keeping them indoors. The following list entails some of the most important reasons why we should let our kids experience the world as well as yes, get hurt a couple of times.
Most Kids’ Injuries Are Fairly Minor
Let’s face it; children are not going bungee jumping or playing with chainsaws in their spare time. Much of their playtime consists of running and jumping from small heights. Overprotective parents will often stop children from running within their driveway because a serious injury may happen. Most cases of road rash in kids are fairly minor—second-degree at the worst—and heal well on their own. Other fears that parents have when children play outdoors is the risk of nosebleeds. A nosebleed is actually quite common and often due simply because of dry air and nothing else.
Can Help Build Self-Esteem
When a child grows up being told not to partake in risky situations, that child can likely develop a tendency to stray away from opportunities that can help them grow as a person. Children who grow up able to conquer their fears and try new things are more likely to experience emotions such as excitement, pride, and self-confidence. Allowing our children to partake in less than safe situation we are not only teaching them to take risks but that we also trust in them to make the right decision.
Learning About Consequences Is an Important Part of Growing Up
When a child gets themselves involved in a situation that results in injuries, they often learn that they should be more careful with their choices. This, of course, does not mean placing your child in danger or allowing them to place themselves in danger for the sake of a lesson. This does mean slowly giving your child the freedom to make mistakes in a somewhat controlled manner. Learning about consequences is an important part of growing up and it will help your kids to develop into more responsible people.
Understandably parents want their children to be safe. However, sometimes being too protective of your child can deny them opportunities to become more responsible and resilient. So the next time you are tempted to control your child’s playtime to prevent every injury, remember the things above so you know how to properly react.
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