Girls should be encouraged to climb trees and skateboard, says Caroline Paul. Here’s how practicing risky play helps them become more brave and confident in the future: http://t.ted.com/TAAMfjb
Great message. But, you know....it leaves the viewer with the impression that this is the rule rather than cautionary advice. How about congratulating all of the parents that have encouraged our daughters to pursue all of their passions, and proudly held back when they broke that arm or crawled over to the black diamond hill because they new it would not be fatal, but would allow them to determine who they would be. Some of us parents did a pretty good job, quietly.
I believe each child needs to be recognized for who they are and shown when to restrain themselves and how to take risks in life. Often this is *best* done by example. However many parents do NOT feel they can stop their boys from excess risk taking, feeling it's natural for them and they will resist being stopped, which exhausted parents may decide not to fight. IMHO boys need to be taught to think before they jump, to not take wild risks, not throw their lives to chance, while girls need to be encouraged to be independent, risk more and develop their own risk tolerances by doing things on their own with support but without help. Reducing any natural tendency towards self preservation in girls is also not a good thing. Girls and boys both need to be guided to design their risk profile. It's too facile to say [boys get] and [girls don't] in every scenario and the statistics show boys are on the losing end currently. Balance for everyone based upon who they are is best.
Bravery is indeed a crucial trait we should nurture in all children, regardless of gender. Encouraging girls to take risks, climb those trees, and explore the world around them is about more than just building courage; it’s about creating equity. When we empower girls to be brave, we challenge the traditional norms that limit their potential and open the door for true progress. Equity is about providing equal opportunities for bravery, growth, and success for everyone.
Caroline Paul's idea is spot on! Encouraging girls to engage in adventurous activities like climbing trees and skateboarding is not just about fun—it's about building resilience and confidence. Risky play allows them to face challenges, learn problem-solving skills, and overcome fears. These experiences are invaluable for developing a sense of bravery and self-assurance that can translate into all areas of their lives. It’s about breaking stereotypes and empowering them to embrace their full potential. Let’s make space for girls to explore, take risks, and grow stronger through their adventures!
This really misses the mark, in my opinion. This is all based on a study about a playground firepole? How about a real metric on risky play, courage, and facing challenges, like athletics? Girls sports have never been more popular, and they carry massive risks for young people. I see girls playing with just as much bravery as (and sometimes more recklessness and aggression than) boys. I wouldn't sell them short.
First few lines are her biased perspectives. You can see it as parents love daughters more n sons less? Hence the extra care. Please stop seeing through stereotype mindset.... This is not taking responsibility for own behavior, n blaming parental love n care 😊
I am all for raising girls to be as gutsy and confident as boys. However certainly once into the late teen years and beyond, is it not simply a physical reality that girls/women ARE physically more fragile and often do need more help...? Thinking of the last time i had to change a flat tire here. I understand what to do but was simply not physically strong enough to acheive the task. I know this is unlikely to be a popular view but the warnings of parents in this respect do serve a purpose. I agree though the problem starts when this spills over to discourage girls from risk taking and exploring in general.
Agreed. All children should be encouraged and supported to be brave. I was blessed with adults who encouraged and allowed me to climb trees do hard things, and explore the world on my own, using my abilities to problem solve.
As the eldest of three sisters, daughter of a professional footballer I can honestly say we were encouraged to do whatever we wanted as children. We sang, danced, played football, climbed trees, made rope swings, played with dolls etc. Myself and my younger sister were both really sporty, me with hockey and athletics and her taking after my dad, her football skills at 9 far superior than her male friends. I think it’s less about ‘encouraging’ and more about not discouraging girls ( and boys for that matter ) to do anything they want. Trees don’t just belong to boys, like dolls don’t just belong to girls.
Corporate and Skills Development Facilitator since 2001 🏆Former Award-winning fashion designer, corporate clothing manufacturer and supplier until 2000.
1moLiving in South Africa we naturally played hide and seek in forests, build tree houses and climb trees. Parents don't tell girls to sit at home and knit or bake cookies while boys played outside. We must remember context of different cultures and demographics when we stand for gender Equality. But never forget male and females are Biological different with different functions organs, muscles, brains. We must never try to cancel the beauty of femininity. Just as we shouldn't candela cultures. We aren't All One race and One Species. We are uniquely dynamic different, equally important as flowers needs bees, we need each other to create and preserve life on earth.