It was my father that put him into the cold water, amongst the rocks, in this artificial stream.
Also, it was his idea to let Aaron get all wet that day we went to Wynnum. I had said to only wet his feet but you saw the picture...
And today, he brought out two extremely heavy stools for Aaron to climb all over.
Everyday, my father is looking out for ways to allow Aaron the freedom to explore the environment and his own capabilities. I have been a bit anxious about Aaron walking barefoot in the garden when we have bull ants out there but, I'm calm about it. Not saying anything....
I know all this is nothing compared to exploring the forests as Bilbo did but its a reminder for me to create environments that Aaron can be free-er in. Especially when we go back to Palembang. I don't want to be a helicopter mom.
6 comments:
I always hoped to raise more "robust" kids but do not know whether I would be too over-protective to do so?..... where do we draw the line is every parents' dilemma.
It's so hard to let the kids be free and explore. I have the same conversation with my husband about the things we were allowed to do as kids and how nowadays we don't let our children do the same.
But you know, times are different.
I just let them go and let them be free, but I draw the line at anything that would be too dangerous. It's hard being a parent LOL
Your dad has always been the one who encouraged us to explore and experience life/things... very different from my dad who's very protective. I think that when kids hurt themselves (not like being run over by a car or something like that) they are able to learn and pick themselves up better than if they are older. I always have the fear of falling (still do!) and guess where that came from? My dad!
It's a good philosophy to let children explore rather than keeping them elclosed.
It is much harder now to give children the sort of freedom I enjoyed as a child. Number is absolutely right...as parents, we agonize over where to draw that line, and most will choose to err on the side of caution. Nevertheless, a child who is always protected from everything will eventually grow into an adolescent and an adult suddenly surprised when "bad" things happen. I guess I'm glad my children are all grown and gone, and all I have to do is pontificate.
I let Z explore as much as I can. I think that it is helping to make him confident and strong. My Mom worries for the both of us.
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