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5 dangerous things you should let your kids do

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"Kids will figure out how to do the most dangerous thing they can." This doesn't have to be a bad thing when it comes to learning in or out of the classroom. In this talk Gever Tulley encourages us all to allow flames of curiosity in our kids to be fanned and fed rather than forced to face the fire extinguisher. 

After watching this talk, I was slightly relieved to look back and know that I managed to do 5 out of 5.5 of these things. Although, I am sure I recorded a piece of music to a cassette and then to another in violation of the DMCA. Regardless, the joy from all of the cuts, bumps and bruises was only outweighed by the freedom and confidence that came along with earning them. As kids we were allowed to roam and make decisions without the need for constant consultation. We made mistakes, paid for them, and learned each time. 

In my role as parent, it was important to allow as much latitude to my own child as was possible --with the addition of catching a few snakes and spiders. I hope that it will be a tradition carried on in many homes long after I'm gone. 

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