This is really a tough one. To protect your children or not to protect them? My husband and I came from two very different family background. So, since we are married, we have to REALLY compromise! A little about our family upbringing:
His:
Parents give their children a lot of freedom and let their children learn as they make mistakes. Learn how to do business with dad since young. Children do most of things themselves and are very independent. They are tough and brave as a result.
Mine:
Parents are very protective. Sacrifice a lot for us and do a lot for us. As a result, we feel the love but become very dependent and too conservative (dare not take risk).
Now, when it comes to my children, I actually want them to be independent. So, I tried not to protect them TOO much. Over protection is actually making them less competitive.
So, one day, quite a long time ago, we were thinking about getting a safety gate for the staircase so that the children won't fall. After serious consideration, we decided not to get one, not because of the money but for a better reason. If there is no gate, I will definitely take the initiative to teach them at a very young age on how to hold the hand railing when walking up and down the staircase and not to play at the staircase. Then, explain about the consequences: falls, fractures, injuries, etc. The later we teach them, the later they will learn.
Oh, I just hope that my approach is correct. Love is not to protect them all the time but to teach them how to take precaution and to protect themselves.
4 comments:
ya, agree!
i didn't buy the safety gate too, like what you said, i taught my active son what would happen if he not holding the staircase rail properly.
I'm sitting on the fence. As much as I wanted to give freedom (the montessori way) but I also want to take the precaution to avoid accident. I taught them the safety way of going up and down, tell them about the danger but I believe sometimes accident can happen.
At my PIL and SIL's house , we have the safety gate at the top floor, but no gate to restrict them from going up. That is to prevent them from rolling down, just in case they play wild at the top floor, running to near the stair edge and slip or accidentally push either one down. Kids are kids, when they are over excited, they can forget about safety and what we have taught them.
Not long ago, a minister's grandson , age 11 yr , play on the stair, fell and died.
It's better to have prevention than to be sorry later.
Good to exchange views. There is truth in what you say. Accidents do happen. That's why I don't allow my kids to play at the top floor near the staircase, except in the room with the door closed.
hmm.....my gal was lucky to be trained at nanny's place to use the staircase carefully at very young age. Barrier to crawl up was put when she was very young. Later when she can walk, she walk herself up and down.
Post a Comment