allowing kids to fall

[Guest guest]

As a CMT kid, I had my share of falls, 'natural' ones, not from riding

a bike, but from dodgeball at school also when I first learned to

roller skate. Learning to fall (protecting my face, etc) was a good

thing, oddly enough my ballet teacher taught this, later I had it

reinforced by a Physical Therapist.

Mostly my falling was due to overtiredness and/or fatigue. Sometimes

I'd fall in a creek when my Scout group was crossing it on slippery

stones. No matter what, I always got up fast and as I grew up,

learned to sit still for awhile afterwards.

The worst fall was off a horse. But I was being careless as a rider.

Had a major concussion. Lost 4 days completely. But eventually I was

back on a horse and kept riding and learned to pay attention

to 'rules'.

I am da** glad my parents gave me a chance to experience many

activities with my peergroup and didn't hold me back in anything. Of

course, they were concerned, but they knew I was having FUN and that

was important. I needed to learn my boundaries and limits with CMT in

a world that didn't have adaptive equipment, knee pads, even bike

helmets, etc. It was a good time to grow up. (1950's + 60's)

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I agree with you Gretchen, allowing kids to be kids is probably the hardest

thing a mother can do, dads too for that matter. For one learning how to fall

without killing yourself can only be self taught, simply because everyone has to

cope with that reality in different ways.

Believe it or not my son learned to ride his bike in 5 min after I explained how

to turn the handle bars to counter act the attitude of the bike. The lucky

little bugger never even skinned a knee.

However, I've had to learn polite means of telling folks to leave me alone and

let me fall, their help could actually do more harm than good. While true you

just can't let your kids kill themselves, they do need to overcome the fear of

hurting themselves. As a parent you really hate to see your kids bloody, but it

is part of growing up, and testing and defining ones physical limits.

Ed

[Guest guest]

Bravo, Bravo, one of the best posts I have ever read. It was exactly

how my parents felt and how I feel. I think it made me a better

person. I think it made me more independent too.

Bob

[Guest guest]

I'll have to agree with you there, Gretchen. The 60's were a great time for me

to grow up as a kid.