By: Tedi McVea
From the start, I have not been against my child getting hurt. I have allowed our Little Bear to attempt skills I knew he wasn't quit ready for, understanding full well that it will earn him a few bumps and bruises along the way. While, this may not be the traditional "first-time mom" way, it has been our way.
I believe getting hurt is a legitimate learning experience. I don't want to rob my child of learning the natural consequences of his actions by creating a bubble (pain free environment). I want him to learn when he can crawl that falling hurts, so when he can climb, he is more cautious about falling. I want him to know that running downhill may result in a fall, before he can ride a bike down a hill and risk a more painful fall. I want him to solidify these lessons at age appropriate stages, so he can feel confident in his assessment of risk and manage it appropriately. This also means not running to him when he gets hurt and instead pausing a bit or walking to him. This time allows him to fully experience the cause and effect of his actions.... this little bit is often the hardest part for me and means fighting every mommy urge I have to run and coddle.
With that being said, I am completely for preventing injury. I mean lets face it... baby logic is sometimes not the most logical. It is still developing and help and guidance is certainly needed along the way. I define getting hurt as a temporary bump or bruise, which effects' can fade away in a matter of days or as quick as minutes. I am however, ultra protective against injuries that can be longer lasting and more serious.
This philosophy for parenting is sometimes I think misunderstood. I have certainly gotten "glances" from other parents. There are even times with my own partner that I have to say, "No. It's okay. Let him jump from his chair." As I follow up with an explanation that there isn't the potential for injury. He will either land it and be proud or fall and get hurt be more cautious next attempt. I've noticed that she is now really warming up to this philosophy and sees the noticeable benefits.
Our Little Bear from the start has been ahead on his gross motor development and feels very confident trying new things. He was one of the first of his friends to walk, go solo down a slide, navigate down steps, or hang from the monkey bars. I think sometimes we don't realize how our anxiety's as parents, translate to our baby's experiencing anxiety trying new things. While every Mom has their own philosophy and every baby has their own development range and needs, this one has worked wonders for us! It also translates pretty seamlessly into Free Range Parenting, a granola mom staple.
So remember, getting hurt is okay. Its getting injured that we can work together to prevent.
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