As I engaged in my morning workout, my thoughts turned to the idea of teaching our soon-to-be-seven-year-old son about strength training. It’s part of a broader shift I’ve been fostering, giving him the space to explore his independence. This drive for self-reliance has been a constant thread in his upbringing. From infancy, I encouraged moments of independent play to nurture his confidence in creating without constant input.
As he grew, I introduced him to various life skills – cooking, using utensils safely, and eventually managing personal hygiene like bathing and dental care. I recall a recent incident when he sought my help and I gently reminded him that he possesses the knowledge and capabilities to handle the task himself. This was a turning point in his understanding; he realized that I hadn’t merely done things for him, but had empowered him to do them himself. This mindset extended to folding clothes, tidying his room, preparing snacks, and other practical skills – all aimed at equipping him for self-sufficiency.
Reflecting on this, I acknowledged that health and fitness hold a significant place in my own life. Though I wasn’t involved in sports during my youth, I took up gym workouts as a teenager to shed weight gained over a school year. A habit of scrutinizing food labels was handed down by my mother, who imparted the wisdom of assessing ingredient lists to discern their impact on health. Over time, I delved into understanding various components and their effects on the body, a journey made possible by the advent of the internet. This profound consciousness about what I consume and how I treat my body ultimately led me to my current path as a health and life coach.
Given my son’s talent and interest in baseball, I felt it was time to introduce him to age-appropriate strength training. While I am fully capable of guiding his fitness journey, I recognized the value in involving his father for a unique father-son bonding experience. This decision wasn’t about adhering to traditional gender roles, but about diversifying his life experiences and building connections within the family.
Amidst these interactions with my son, a realization crystallized in my mind during a break between workout sets. I’ve often stated that my role as a parent is to keep him “safe.” It’s a familiar sentiment echoed by countless parents, myself included, without fully contemplating its implications. In a moment of clarity, I realized that my responsibility isn’t merely to ensure his safety. While safeguarding his life and nurturing an environment for growth are undoubtedly central, the notion of absolute safety isn’t the end goal.
This realization was underscored by instances when I encouraged him to explore potentially risky activities, such as climbing at the playground. These situations were framed within the context of mindful action and an acceptance of life’s inherent uncertainties. In fact, I’ve shared with him that life itself can be fraught with danger and uncertainty, and the best preparation is to be equipped with skills and awareness.
The notion of “keeping them safe” suddenly shifted in this moment. It became apparent that shielding children from every possible peril denies them the chance to acquire the skills required for navigating life’s challenges. Much like young animals playfully pushing boundaries, children need to comprehend limits to truly develop survival instincts. These experiences pave the way for building social awareness, forging connections with peers, and establishing their own support networks. Paradoxically, an excessively sheltered existence can isolate children from the wondrous and transformative aspects of life.
Embracing life’s uncertainties and facing them head-on is an integral part of the human experience. The trials we encounter contribute to our resilience and growth. A life devoid of risk and challenge is a life deprived of opportunities for self-discovery and meaningful growth. As parents, our role extends beyond cocooning our children in safety; it’s about fostering their ability to navigate the intricate tapestry of existence, armed with the confidence and competence to triumph over adversity.
