Childproofing

I was talking to someone the other day who mentioned that they had been "childproofing" their home. Now I know when you waterproof something it means that you have taken measures to ensure that the water can't get in. Is childproofing the same thing? If so, they might be on to something. From what I've seen, I think they've taken this childproofing stuff too far. Between the electrical outlet covers, the cabinet doors that won't open, and those infernal gates, how's a kid supposed to learn anything?

See, that's the problem. We have everything so sanitized nowadays that a kid can't learn anything. When my son, Scott, was about 2 my Dad gave him a big bundle of old keys on a ring. It wasn't long until he mistook an electrical outlet for a keyhole. He learned three valuable lessons that day. First, if you stick a key in an electrical outlet, the lights go out - yours and the ones in the house. Second, after you've been thrown through the air, you usually get the breath knocked out of you when you land. And third, probably not a good idea to do it again. He's 38 now and to my knowledge has never stuck a key in an electrical outlet since. Lessons learned hardest are learned best.

Now back to the point. In the name of safety we are denying our children the opportunity to learn that most important lesson of all - that actions have consequences. I can assure you that, as a result of childhood instances, I learned lessons that stick with me to this day. For instance, I never put my bare hand against a hot stove. I always make sure my fingers are out of the way before I slam a car door. And I always get my foot out of the way when the mule starts moving around (ok, that one hasn't happened in a long time, but I still remember!).

I still have scars from childhood and there's a story for each one of them. That's why we didn't need tattoos - we had scars instead. Our kids don't have any stories because they don't have any scars. We try to protect them from every single thing that might cause a scar. I guess we'd rather they get a tattoo. Plus, think of the economic impact to the Band Aid people. Tough times all around.

And what are our kids going to talk about when they get older? We don't allow them to have any experiences worth talking about. "I remember that time I almost hurt myself roller skating. Thank goodness for those elbow pads!" Going to be pretty boring .....

So next time, instead of childproofing the house, how about just making them stay out of stuff? If you don't want them to stick their finger in the light socket, don't plug up the light socket - just make them leave it alone. We do it all wrong. We try to take away every possible danger a child could face instead of teaching them how to navigate around it. Then when he's older, he doesn't know the difference between what's dangerous and what's not. Don't be irresponsible, but let them learn something along the way.

One last thing.....I know the law says you have to make your children wear bicycle helmets, even though no one who was a kid earlier than 1985 ever wore one. And the only person I know of personally who was injured seriously on a bicycle was wearing a helmet. Anyway, if you make your kid wear a helmet to ride his bicycle, please don't make any pictures. Is there anything on earth that looks dorkier than a kid with a bicycle helmet and elbow pads on? When he's 16 he'll prefer you show the naked pictures of him as a baby anytime to those with the helmet. Anyway, it's your choice - scars or tattoos.

Till next time.........