Are we overprotecting our kids?

Citing concerns about America’s overprotective environment, Gever Tulley, founder of The Tinkering School, makes a persuasive case for encouraging and empowering kids by allowing them to take on risks.  In this TED talks video, Tulley lists five dangerous things you should let your child try:

1. Play with fire.
2. Own a pocketknife.
3. Throw a spear.
4. Deconstruct appliances.
5. Break a law.
6. Drive a car.

Right away, I could see that our family hasn’t been providing an overprotective environment.  My husband and I used to balance each other - he allowed great risk, while I kept it well in check.  But, as the kids survived all those experiences, my comfort level grew.

I used to be a nervous wreck on camping trips, worried that the kids would catch on fire at the camp ring.  I watched them like a hawk the first few times that they tried whittling with their marshmallow-roasting sticks with a pocketknife.  Now, I relax by the fire, my only concern being to achieve the most perfectly golden marshmallow, and I let the kids fend for themselves.

Somehow, they survive my lack of attention.

At our last Cub Scout Den gathering we built a campfire in our backyard woods, and let the kids run wild.  I even suggested letting the boys practice their spear throwing skills until I received the WHAT-are-you-CRAZY look in response.

So, maybe, some might argue that I’m not protective enough. 

Then, again, I’m NOT letting my kids drive a car until they are at least sixteen, and perhaps, not even then.

Would you let your child drive, even in an empty lot?  Do you think any of these 5 items are too dangerous?  Are there other dangerous things that you think kids should try?

More TED Talks:

A Wish For Students: Imagination In Action

Do schools kill creativity?

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Tagged as: TED Talks