daredevil kids

Daredevil…how would you define daredevil kids? One who climbs to the top of the jungle gym?  Or one who would rather see how high they can climb the tree next to the playground? A child who rides their bike in the middle of the road, YIKES! A daredevil child to me is one who is not afraid of a little adventure.  A daredevil child likes to test the waters a little too often.  A daredevil child is aware of their limitations and wants to go beyond. This child may prefer the shallow end, but hears the whispers of the diving board in the deep end.

Well, I would say that I have two daredevil children. Honestly, I thought my oldest, my son, was quite the daredevil. However, at first, I would sum it to him “just being a boy.” Yep, I stereotyped him. To this day, I still blame things on him “just being a boy.” And some of it is actually warranted.   

Then I had a little girl. She is a peanut, always been a bit petite. She defines the daredevil child.  She is fully and completely capable of many more things then you would think by just looking at her.   

So how does a parent cope with raising a daredevil child without becoming a anxious ball of stress? First, you have to learn to understand why they go beyond the “normal” activities.  Then accept the why as well as their stronger wills. And, of course, embrace it. Just accept and embrace that you may end up in the ER more often then your neighbor.  Just make some “fun” playing connect the dots on their bruised up little legs. 

| Understand |

Most days my children’s wills are stronger than my patience. A child with daredevil tendencies has a very wild spirit. As Lady Gaga would put it…Baby, you were born this way! Fearless.  And you cannot blame the parents for all the crazy acts of these children. Trust me when I say we typically do not want them to climb on the tops of the monkey bars or try to swing from the metal bar that holds the actual swings.  Most of these tricks are not taught. Admittedly, my son does watch and love American Ninja Warrior however daredevil children were testing limits well before ANW started. 

It goes back to nature vs nurture. Daredevil children were not shaped by the parents to become as they are however it is an innate part of their individual characters. Although, I believe that you have to learn to parent a certain way. Take a step back. They have to be allowed to be adventurous just as much as the next kid. The parent needs to nurture the child’s curiosity and allow them to climb (literally and figuratively) to their greatest heights.  I have noticed with both of my children, especially my youngest, they truly understand their physical limits and abilities.  Their determination couples with the fact that they are actually capable either in their balance or strength. My daughter has tremendous arm strength but on the flip side, she is a little lighter than the average 2 year old. She literally looks like a monkey the way she maneuvers her body. 

| Accept |

As an introvert, I would prefer the calmer child. (Does that really even exist?) Let’s say, the child that would rather sit in the sand box or collect sticks. My children get more attention then I typically am comfortable with…especially, when you receive seemingly nice comments with judgmental undertones. I think this goes without saying, however, I will say it. Acceptance is something that society is still working on day to day.  As parents, we need to accept our children and now allow other people’s/parent’s opinions effect our parenting. Accept that daredevil child of yours! Their young minds are growing with every step they take rather it be up a handrail or hanging upside down. They may be the head of a global company one day or hiking up Mount Everest.  Either way, they are vibrant and confident. I will continue to choose to ignore those comments and appreciate the ones that actually are accepting my child as a spirited daredevil.   

| Embrace |

In my almost 7 years of parenting, I have just started to embrace the crazy. I would love to have a normal mom conversation at the park without interruption. That seems like a dream to me these days.  And it is not always my children directly interrupting me…however, it’s their actions. Especially, my daughter, I need to (should) be right up on my 2 year old when she is climbing outside of the playscape instead of sliding down the slide like the other kids. 

Embrace your daredevil child as they are and allow them to take risks so they can reap the rewards. Put the risk into perspective. It may be a very high risk for the uncoordinated child but a piece of cake for your mini Simone Biles.  

Children are fragile in all aspects. Their minds along with their bodies are continuing to understand and take in all effects of this world.  They are strong and want to be independent.  Nurture their adventurous side and it will help build their independence.  And be there for them when they fall and they will get right back up again. Teach them how to be mindful in their escapades.  Give your thrill seeker freedom to be fearless.       

Walking Monkey Bars
Sloan @ CM
Teak @ Ramsey
Sloan @ Altitude

HOW DO YOU HANDLE YOUR DAREDEVIL CHILD?

Abigail Head
Abigail Head is a native Texan living in Central Austin with her hunky husband, Chad and their two strong willed rugrats. Their 6 year old son, Teak, is a true walking miracle and a strong force to be reckoned with. Sloan, their spunky firecracker and 2 year old daughter, is a fearless monkey on the playground. Abby loves chocolate, antiques, being creative, authentic people, and lots of coffee! She has been in the real estate business for over a decade however these days keeps busy wrangling her two little redheads and tries to find time to do something else she loves, write. Follow her and her family's shenanigans in the little squares on Instagram @theheadhouseatx or her little blog www.theheadhouseatx.com.

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