If you’ve found your way to this article, you might be thinking one of two things. One—what kind of person would advocate for encouraging risky behavior in children? “Does she even have kids? Is she one of those extreme survivalists?” Or two—you might be nodding along, thinking, “Absolutely! Kids today are too sheltered!” Of course, there are those who resist being labeled altogether. I appreciate that perspective and hope you’ll stay with me.
We’ve built a protective bubble around our children, and, frankly, it’s not benefiting them.
Many parents today seem determined to shield their kids from adversity, disappointment, and tough situations. This approach has been dubbed “lawnmower parenting,” where adults attempt to clear away obstacles before their children even encounter them. As a parent of two, I confess I’ve fallen into this trap myself. After all, why not lend a hand if we can? What’s wrong with wanting to spare our kids from pain, setbacks, or heartache?
This tendency manifests in various settings, particularly in sports and academics. You’ll often hear parents grumbling about coaches, seeking special accommodations, or even completing their children’s homework for them.
Another area where this is particularly evident—and one I’m passionate about—is in outdoor play. A simple stroll outside reveals that neighborhood streets are far less populated with kids engaging in unsupervised play than they used to be. Parks, too, often feature overly involved parents hovering over their children: “Oh no, don’t do that! Let me assist you. Stay off that!” (This shouldn’t be confused with parents actively engaging in play, which is wonderful and far better than those glued to their phones.)
This overprotective, lawnmower parenting style stifles kids’ connection with nature. Many children grow up without experiencing simple joys like skipping stones (you might hit someone), climbing trees (potential broken bones), or searching for bugs (which could be harmful). We’ve created an extensive list of dos and don’ts for outdoor activities. This restriction inhibits kids from exploring independently, leading to a disconnect from the natural world. And let’s not forget, increased screen time doesn’t help either.
We Must Allow Our Children to Experiment, Stumble, and Take Risks in the Great Outdoors
One of the most effective ways to cultivate a love and respect for nature is through direct experience. You can learn about the ocean’s beauty, but nothing compares to feeling the sand between your toes while the waves crash around you. The same principle applies to kids. With nature offering so many wonders, our best course of action as parents is to let them venture out and discover. Yes, this involves allowing them to take some risks.
So how do we go about this? We need to shift our mindset away from worst-case scenarios at every turn. It means resisting the urge to jump in and help when challenges arise. It entails granting them a bit of freedom and perhaps allowing them to enjoy a childhood reminiscent of our own—where kids were simply told to “go outside” and “figure things out.” I recall my own childhood, growing up in a rural area surrounded by cousins, constantly being nudged to explore the outdoors.
Now Comes the Tough Part: Letting Go
Recognizing the need for change is one thing, but implementing it is much harder. I have adventurous kids who’ve been climbing trees and discovering critters since they could walk, and it’s challenging not to rush to their side when they’re outdoors.
So how do we let them embrace risks without hovering? We educate them.
Anytime you allow kids to take risks, there’s an inherent level of danger. However, you can significantly minimize risks by ensuring your children are informed and prepared. For instance, while you wouldn’t send kids off to gather firewood and start a campfire unsupervised, you can teach them about fire safety and eventually let them take the lead when they’re ready.
The same applies to interacting with wildlife and plants. Teach them about potentially dangerous animals and toxic plants, so they’re informed rather than scared. Then, grant them the freedom to explore wild areas independently. It’s all about being age-appropriate and providing the right education on specific topics.
Once they have the necessary tools, it’s time to step back and give them some space. Yes, it’s tough. Yes, it introduces more danger. But ultimately, I believe it will foster a childhood that equips our children for future success. They’ll develop better problem-solving skills, adapt more quickly, and engage with the natural world in a much healthier way.
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In Summary
It’s essential to allow children to experience the world with a bit of risk and exploration. By stepping back and trusting them to learn and grow through their adventures, we can help cultivate a generation that is resilient, adaptable, and connected to the natural world.