Make stumbles part of the dance

March 8, 2013
Mistakes can become riffs.
Improvisation can lead to discovery.
Because if you’re never tested, you’ll never know what you’re made of.
Embrace the stumbles.
Here’s what I’ve observed about kids born of Boomer parents. 
We don’t let them stumble.
And if they do?
We’ve smoothed the way so they don’t feel the bumps. 
But that’s a problem:

If they’re never tested, 
never have to feel a bump,
they’re at a disadvantage in life.
Because a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.
What do you think?
Are we doing young people any favors 
by protecting them
from life’s challenges?
9 comments on “Make stumbles part of the dance
  1. Cathy says:

    We love our children and have to take care of them without crossing that fine line of doing absolutely everything for them. They have to learn for themselves the same as we did.
    We have one son and we always tried not to hover over him too much to allow him to make his own discoveries, and take care of his own battles when necessary. Today he’s a confident, passionate and kind young man! Loved the post.

  2. There are days that I feel my entire life is a stumble. And others where I’m perfectly balanced.
    And of course, most days are a mixture of the two! Great read and thank you for sharing!

  3. NotaSupermom says:

    I’m glad life broke me down pretty young. I hate to think what I’d be like otherwise.
    Tears make you a better person!

  4. Barb says:

    No! An unequivocal no!! We have to love them enough to let them figure it out, be there if they ask for advice, but assure them they can do it. When I taught high school kids in the public school system, I always tried to observe kids who were thinking, trying, and I’d tell them, you know, bravo! I can see you’re really or have really thought about that. Don’t deny young ones the growth!

  5. Maryl says:

    My daughter has been in three middle schools, two high schools and two colleges so far and we haven’t moved once. She had some learning challenges and some of the school options were limited. But I often wonder if we moved her too easily and should have let her fend for herself more. We’ll never know but now she seems to have found her niche. We’re all happy. Thanks.

  6. Maryl says:

    My daughter has been in three middle schools, two high schools and two colleges so far and we haven’t moved once. She had some learning challenges and some of the school options were limited. But I often wonder if we moved her too easily and should have let her fend for herself more. We’ll never know but now she seems to have found her niche. We’re all happy. Thanks.

  7. Bonnie says:

    This reminds me of the Garth Brooks’ song “The Dance” –

  8. My husband always says “You have to let the birdies fly”…(and fall). I embrace my stumbles, I know they are there to purify me!

  9. I absolutely agree…I will put this one away for use on another day. Thank you for the thought!

    b+
    http://www.retireinstyleblog.com

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