During a recent family gathering, I overheard my eight-year-old daughter, Mia, passionately defending her right to use box cutters while crafting with her cousins. They were all busy constructing cardboard boats for a river race. However, Grandma was hesitant, restricting the use of box cutters to the older kids and suggesting the younger ones stick to paper and tape.
“I can use box cutters!” Mia exclaimed, sounding quite certain of herself.
“Are you sure about that?” Grandma replied, clearly skeptical.
“Yes, I am,” Mia insisted.
My mother then turned to me with a raised eyebrow, silently questioning my parenting choices. But I stood firm, “She’s quite skilled with box cutters.”
I could sense Grandma’s concern; she clearly worried about potential injuries. Yet, I knew Mia had experience. She had participated in multiple birthday parties themed around building with cardboard and often engaged in imaginative recycling projects where she created art from discarded materials.
Mia added, “Ben can use them, too.” Ben, her six-year-old brother, had already crafted a “pizza box dinosaur” with guidance from a YouTube tutorial, showcasing his own adeptness with box cutters.
Despite Grandma’s reservations, she relented and informed the other kids they could join in. Thankfully, no one got hurt, and the cardboard regatta was a massive success.
I’ve often been labeled as a permissive parent, but I prefer to think of it as adopting a Discovery method to teach my children valuable skills. I emphasize safe techniques while allowing them the freedom to explore and create. If crows can use tools, why shouldn’t my kids? They often surprise me with their creativity!
When Mia first expressed interest in using box cutters, I weighed the risks. Yes, there’s a chance of minor cuts, but I believe that without the opportunity to make mistakes, learning is stunted. She needs to experience the world, assess risks, and develop crucial life skills, such as using a stove or handling tools.
Mia has used scissors since she was two and box cutters since she was six. Sure, she has had a few minor cuts, but she has learned to handle them and continues her projects without getting discouraged. Ben, who has been more careless, has received assistance but is also learning how to be cautious.
Both of my children have experience with various tools and activities—hammers, saws, knives, hot glue guns, skiing, and biking. It’s essential to strike a balance between safety and experience. While I take necessary precautions, like ensuring they wear helmets and life jackets, I also want them to learn through calculated risks.
Mia once had a tumble while biking downhill and, despite crying, she got back on her bike. Ben fell from a tree while trying to swing like a monkey, but he quickly climbed back up. These experiences teach them resilience; I can’t shield them from every potential danger, but I can equip them with the skills to handle it.
Currently, they’re busy in the playroom using a hot glue gun to create snow globes from old jam jars. And yes, they know to unplug it when they’re done. Just this morning, they prepared their own breakfast, slicing bread and scrambling eggs.
Every activity carries some risk, but I believe that when managed appropriately, the benefits far outweigh the dangers. I refuse to wrap my kids in bubble wrap; they can get their own band-aids when needed.
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In summary, while allowing my children to use sharp tools like box cutters may seem risky to some, it’s an essential part of their growth and learning. By balancing safety with freedom, I aim to equip them with the skills they need to navigate the world.