posted on 06 December 2009 15:58
Parents talking to their toddlers:
You're going to fall; You can't manage that; You're going to go splat; Be careful; Come back down; You'll never manage it; It's too steep for you; Slow down.
All said in the best and with the most caring of intentions. But consider what years of programming like this does to a infant mind - not only regarding physical risk, but learning risk aswell.
Alternatives:
Be safe when you climb; Go as far as you think it's safe; I'm here; How far can you get?; Do you think it's steep?; I'm proud of how far you've got; You can manage it; Can you show ME how to do that?
I read once that there are more accidents in playgrounds when parents are present (don't fall!) than when they're absent. Children self-regulate. They delegate their own safety back onto themselves. And they do it well.
Consider: how much of our learning language is restrictive and limiting? How much of it inspiring and full of opportunity?