My favorite list item was the one about the scarves. If you’re sledding close enough to obstacles that your loose clothing could get caught then strangulation probably isn’t the main hazard.

Also, I am one of those kids that hit a tree while sledding. It is no fun. Bloody nose, bloody snow, bloody clothing.

Heidi Ahrens http://outdoorbaby.net

I was most moved and inpressed by the interview with his knowing, laid back mom. She clearly understood that ‘rules’ are not the way to teach responsibility.
She knows she has taught her son values and he knows the risks at stake in his passion and that she can do no more than that.

I am reminded too of attitudes to risk in Europe- climbing gyms for example- no waiver B.S. (or even questions about if you know what you are doing). If you don’t know to be careful at high heights (or take your own responsibility for asking) then fate will take care of you – and yes, fingers have been lost in draws, deaths even – but very rarely considering how common the sport is there.

Don’t get me wrong- I understand that people …incl kids- die sledding (and I have broken bones) but these types of pastimes are also where we learn judgement, responsibility and reasons not to do some silly things. As a parent, I strive to explain why one action is better than another rather than issue dogma. It is how I learn best as well.

Sometimes those lessons involve exploring the limits and can be painful and/or bloody, I’ll admit.

My boys are still young and I anticipate my attiude will change somewhat but through free play and simple outdoor pleasures I feel like I have lived, failed, crashed and learned and still have the judgement to make good decisions without rules. I aim to give them the same opportunities to crash and burn … and learn.

some thought provoking links:
http://www.cbc.ca/ageofpersuasion/2009/07/season_3_episode_4_rethink_the.html

Oh the places you’ll go – must read!
http://www.teamhope.com/seuss.htm