If you’re reading this, you might be wondering if the author is a bit eccentric for advocating danger in childhood. Perhaps you’re thinking, “Does she even know what she’s talking about?” Or you might be nodding along, convinced that today’s kids are overly sheltered. And then there are those of you who resist being pigeonholed altogether—I appreciate that perspective, and I hope you’ll stick around for my thoughts.
We’ve created a protective bubble around our children, but it’s not serving them well.
I’ve observed a wave of parents eager to shield their kids from hardship, disappointment, and tough experiences—often referred to as “lawnmower parenting,” where adults clear away obstacles before their kids encounter them. As a mother of two, I confess I’ve fallen into this trap myself. After all, who wouldn’t want to spare their children from pain or failure?
This protective instinct often manifests in sports and school settings, where parents complain about coaches, demand special treatment, or even complete their children’s homework. One area where this is particularly evident—and one I’m very passionate about—is outdoor play. A simple stroll outside reveals that neighborhood streets are quieter, with far fewer kids engaging in unsupervised play.
At parks, you’ll likely notice parents who hover a bit too closely, stepping in with comments like, “Oh no, be careful! Let me help you!” (This shouldn’t be confused with parents engaging in play, which is fantastic and far better than those glued to their phones.) Such an overprotective approach is detrimental to our kids’ relationship with nature. Children are growing up without the experiences of skipping stones (someone might get hit), climbing trees (broken limbs), or searching for bugs (some might be harmful).
The plethora of rules surrounding outdoor activities leads to a serious disconnect from the natural world, exacerbated by excessive screen time.
It’s crucial that we allow kids to take risks, try, and yes, even fail outdoors.
Experiencing nature firsthand is essential to fostering a love and respect for it. You can describe the ocean’s beauty, but it doesn’t compare to the real sensation of standing on the beach with sand between your toes as the waves crash around you. The same holds true for children. Nature offers countless opportunities for exploration, and our best role as parents is to let them dive in—even if it means allowing them to take some risks.
So, how can we facilitate this? It starts with not fixating on worst-case scenarios. It means stepping back when they encounter challenges. It means granting them the freedom we once enjoyed—when we were told to simply “go outside” and “figure it out.” I certainly remember those days, growing up in a rural area with plenty of cousins.
Now comes the tricky part: letting go.
Agreeing on the need for this change is one thing; implementing it is another. I have adventurous kids who have been climbing trees and picking up snakes since they could walk, so it’s tough to resist the urge to protect them when they roam freely.
To strike a balance, we need to educate them. Allowing kids to take risks invariably introduces some danger, but we can minimize it by preparing them adequately. For instance, while you wouldn’t let them gather wood and start a campfire unsupervised, teaching them about fire safety beforehand allows them to lead when they’re ready. The same concept applies to wild plants and animals—educate them on dangers so they can explore confidently.
Once they possess the necessary knowledge, it’s time to step back and give them space. Yes, it’s challenging and yes, it involves more risk. However, I firmly believe this approach will cultivate resilience and problem-solving skills, ultimately leading to a more positive engagement with the world around them.
This article was originally published on May 16, 2019.
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Summary
In summary, we need to rethink our parenting strategies to allow children to engage with the outdoors and take risks. Overprotective tendencies hinder their ability to experience nature fully and grow into resilient individuals. By educating them about safety and stepping back, we can foster a generation that is more connected to the natural world and better equipped for future challenges.
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