Monday 5 March 2007

Is risk worth the risk?

It was sad to hear of the girl that died while walking on Dartmoor. On the radio this morning I heard an outdoors-type person defending this type of activity, on the basis that if we don't give our kids risk in a socially acceptable setting, they'll go looking for it in a socially unacceptable setting. I have to say I'm inclined to agree with him and I want the mooselets to do outdoors stuff. Not necessarily the highly dangerous but dfinitely hiking, camping, canoeing etc.

This morning made me stop and think. It's all very well in a theoretical, sociological and altruistic way to advocate these type of risks. But I wonder whether the girl's parents feel that the risk was worth it?

If one of the mooselets ends up being involved in an accident while doing these things, will I still feel the same? I think I will, but until you've been there, I don't think you really know.

40 comments:

lyndyloo said...

Hi Moose,

I identify with the idea of risk. I was brought up in a household where I wasn't relly allowed out of the garden gate. I didn't have my first bike until I was 27 and I know from experience that the minute I got the chance to escape I did just that. Luckily I didn't get into too much trouble but it wasn't for the lack of trying. I was allowed to go and visit my relatives in Wales during the summer holidays without my parents which gave me a bit of freedom but ended up having a lot of pent up anger towards my grandparents (who I lived with along with mum & dad) who were very hard on me. If you don't let kids experience risk and get street wise they end up taking far greater risks when they do break free. There's a lot to be said for "if you love something set it free" in this world.

Luv
Lyndyloo
-x-x-x-

Anonymous said...

Moose,

Very thought-provoking one this morning. I am terrified of my daughter being involved in an accident and me not being there to help. It is every parent's worst nightmare. What can we do though? We must let them experience outdoor activities, school trips, etc and we can't be there all the time. I just thank God every day for our blessings.

I am now at the stage where, in a couple of years, my daughter will be going on holiday abroad with her friends - I would do anything to package her up in a box and bring her out when she's 32! But, it can't be done and we just have to hope and pray that fate serves her a decent hand in the game of life.

Told you it was thought-provoking!

C xx

Anonymous said...

Morning Moose,

As a youngster I did the whole camping and hiking bit (with the Guides) and would be happy for my boys to do the same when they reach that age. I do think that it is easy to wrap children up in cotton wool and keep them away from risk taking but that would also take their spirit. After all I do think that to a certain extent life is predetermined and God forbid you could protect your children from taking risks and they may then get run over by a bus on a visit to town.
It is incredibly sad that this young girl has died but she was doing something that she wanted to do and by the sounds of it had lived her short life to the full. I expect her family and friends are devastated but, her parents in particular gave their permission for her to live her life and should not blame themselves for doing so.

Lyndyloo - I agree with the sentiment - if you love something set it free - and was sorry to read about your strict childhood. Having spirit is what gets us through life, trying to stifle the spirit is wrong and does harm in the long run.

Chrissie S - Your feelings are entirely normal as you are the protector for your children but if you have taught them well and equippped them with life skills, let them fly when the time is right. You are quite right that fate is the deciding factor, and no-one has control over that.

x

jollygit said...

Hi Moose et al

In the summer holidays from school, my friend & I would take a picnic with us and walk over the South Downs. This was in the early 70s - we didn't have mobile phones and our parents were at work all day and we just pleased ourselves and didn't come home until it was tea-time. We had adventures but never came to any harm and I'm sure the freedom and weeny bit of responsibility of looking after ourselves gave us confidence in later years.

I agree that if children aren't allowed to go on school trips and try different activities and take some risks, then they will take far greater risks later on in life.

jollygit x

lyndyloo said...

Ooooh! Does me being numero uno next door mean I have to buy the cakes today?

Moose said...

So the question is, what age do you start? We live in a quiet village where the road only goes through to a farm and no-where else. There is a playground about 1/4 mile away from the house. I am up for letting the mooselets go by themselves and take a walkie-talkie. They are 6 (very nearly) and 3 1/2. Too early? Mrs Moose thinks so...and she's not the type of person to molly-coddle or over-protect.

I was in the Scouts and I think it did me a lot of good. I remember bivouacing in the woods one night at camp when I was 11 or 12 and my patrol leader was 14 or 15. We had to return to the tent at about midnight because he was frightened!
I'm not convinced it didn't hold me back as well though. I think maybe I had responsibility too early and rebelled from taking it later on. I was a patrol leader at 13 with 16 year-olds in my patrol. I had to get special dispensation to get my Chief Scout Award (that was a big deal, believe it or not!) because I hadn't reached the age limit yet. Maybe I would have rebelled whatever...and the early responsibility made no difference. Because I ended up leaving the Scouts rather than taking on more and more - which I could have done - become a leader etc etc.

I am going to take the boys camping though. I reckon this summer might be the first one to do it, although 4 years old is still quite young. Or is it? I also want to do canoeing with them soon.

lyndyloo said...

Moose,

Things are only frightening for kids if they are taught to be frightened. Taking your kids camping sounds like a great idea. You'll be with them so they will feel safe and be able to experience some of the things in the great outdoors. If they go to the playground with a walkie talkie then the eldest may get to feel responsible for looking after the youngest but have the safety of being able to communicate with home. Whatever the decisions you and Mrs Moose decide on they will be the right ones... for you and your family. Personally as I didn't get any freedom I wanted to run away but that may well be part of my makeup anyway, we'll never know.

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to the poor parents - you can't even begin to imagine what they have gone through.

But I have to agree that I want Charis to experience the things I experienced when I grew up - canoeing, diving off rocks, swimming from beach to beach, tree climbing, camping, rock climbing, etc! My parents taught me so well that I always felt that I was safe ... even when unsupervised!

On the other hand, if I lost Charis, I'd be lost myself.

Jo said...

Arthur Noonn all :o)

I too was pretty much left to roam around as much as I wanted, we just had to back by a certain time. In the school holidays we would be taken to the beach about 5 miles away and left there with a picnic - we would then get picked up about 5 o clock, whatever the weather. My sister once fractured her leg jumping off a pill box thingy from the war that was in the sandunes but had to walk about a mile to the car park - it was great fun!

Re Camping - I went every year for the sumer holidays to the Dordogne with my family and we were again left to wander wherever. Sneaking out at night to run riot etc. We even used to go swimming in the river without supervision too (shock horror). Actually thinking about it we were quite often dropped up river with our lilo's and left to float downstream until we hit our campsite - I suspect the parents used this time to drink swear and smoke unreprimanded!

Great fun was had by all and we all turned out pretty well!

Am all for the love someone set them free ethos - it's the best way for people to grow, although obviously not the only way!

:o) Jo

Anonymous said...

Lyndyloo ... I have to ask ... did it have stabilisers? :) Grandparents or Aunts/Uncles can some sometimes be harder on kids than parents. My sister was with us at the weekend, but I noticed that she can be very hard towards Charis, and, this is going to sound strange, she often puts her own needs and wants first before Charis's. Like, she'll take offence if Charis accidently elbows her or something and give her a row for it. And, yes, you are buying the cakes ... I want one with lots of gooey chocolate, please!

Chrissie S - I'm guessing this fear and stress and worry never leaves you, then!?

Amanda - One minute I say to myself that Charis will have all the experiences I want to have ... the next I'm getting the cotton wool out! I will get back to you by email, btw!

Jollygit - my days of childhood, in the 70's and early 80's, were spent wandering the hills and coastline of my home, sometimes with friends, mostly just with the dog. I'm not sure if Charis will be able to experience such freedom.

Moose - I'm thinking that the Mooselets would be fine if you feel your 6 year old is responsible enough! I have memories of wandering the village on my own at 4 (that makes me sound so abandoned, doesn't it?!) and no harm came to me! I think having the children in activity clubs is a hge help. I have Charis signed up for swimming lessons from Easter and am looking for other such clubs. She loves the outdoors! And she loves camping! And tree climbing!

Anonymous said...

Oooh Moose. What a lot to think about.

I agree that kids need to experience risk and to be away from grown ups now and again to give them some freedom and teach them to take responsibility. Otherwise how will they ever learn to deal with the great wide world outside the family/school circle and what risks will they take without any understanding of the potential consequences?

I don't have kids and wouldn't presume to comment on what age to start or with what activities but my nephews have been camping with their parents since they were tiny and they love it (they're 10 & 12 now). They tend to return to the same summer haunts and the boys can't wait to meet up with other regulars so they can go off and desert mum and dad for hours at a time. They've also been to cub/scout camps sans parents which makes them feel really "grown up", although the last one in February was a bit chilly apparently and mum would have been useful to snuggle up to keep them warm!

Like Jollygit I grew up in the early '70s. I used to pack up a few snacks and go off for the day with my friends (mainly to play in the woods or a stream - which incidentally we were told never to go near!). As long as we were home by tea-time no-one bothered us. I've no idea how much our parents worried when we were out, but they didn't stop us or pass on their fears. I think we all turned out OK.

lyndyloo said...

Susan S- It didn't have stabilisers but I did have to have knee and elbow pads and a helmet to start and fell off loads round my bf's courtyard before eventually being allowed out onto the road. I now only feel safe along the lanes and canal tow paths, I'm not a happy bunny on a main road.

Gooey choclate cakes purchased and ready for 2.30 tea break!

Dr Joseph McCrumble said...

Its not easy to see the wider picture when it is your own loved ones who are suffering, but I think that it would be foolhardy for the sake of society to prevent youngsters participating in risky activities. We can see the effect this is having all around us.

jollygit said...

I think clubs like the Cubs/Scouts and Brownies/Guides is a great place for children to start learning about responsibility and skills. I went camping with the Guides for a week one summer and had a great time, even when I sprained my ankle by tripping over a guy rope! My parents came to visit me on the Sunday at camp and I was overwhelmed to see them again and I was full of everything that I'd seen and done. It also made me appreciate the comforts of home a lot more - something that children today might benefit from, given that we didn't have computers, mobiles, i-Pods (just got my first one at 45!) or X-Boxes or whatever they're called! I know I sound like an old biddy but we're all so protected and cocooned these days that it's great to have some freedom and run a bit wild now and then, even as an adult!!

Moose - I think a walkie-talkie is a great idea and will give your 6-year old a sense of responsibility whilst it will still seem like a big adventure.

We used to put up a tent right at the bottom of our garden and were allowed to eat our tea out there on our own - it was 'our space' and no adults were allowed. We had a radio, our books, tea and sarnies, plus cakes, and we even planned to sleep out there one night, but I decided to go for the comfort of my own bed instead!

Four years old isn't too young to go camping - both Mooselets will love the adventure and they'll learn so much about themselves, you and nature - do it Moose!!

Anonymous said...

Moose - I tend to agree with Mrs Moose that 6 and 31/2 is a bit young. Remember that children have do not have complete comprehension and awareness of road safety until they are 8 or 9 years old. So I would leave it a while longer before you let them go wandering off with or without a walkie talkie.

I think the camping is a brilliant idea. You maybe need a practise run at camping with a night or two in the garden first to introduce the idea then take it from there. You should go at their pace though, otherwise you will put them off for life. Don't make the first trip a long one - just a couple of nights then build up.
If youngest Mooselet is confident around water then canoing is a good idea but again, I would do it a little at a time. Start off with a session of him sitting in the canoe and see how confortable he is with the idea, it may just be for 10 minutes but it is best to go slowly.

I wouldn't book a week of camping and canoing straight off, build up to it. The thing is with children at the age yours are is that they begin to create fears and phobias so the last thing you would want is to treat them to the full experience without letting them dabble a bit in the first place.

Also you wouldn't want to get there and have to come home early with everyone stressed and upset.

Anyway - plently of other opinions available but that is my humble one!

x

Anonymous said...

Firstly I'm still on stabilisers.

Secondly. Times they have a-changed yeah...I used to walk to and from school when I was 4 and a half, and pretty much then onwards really. Before I was 7 I was only allowed up or down the road. When I was 7 I got a bicycle, and was allowed round the block and also to the rec, but had to 'be careful crossing the road. Even with a walkie-talkie my mum wouldn't have let me anywhere at age 6, and I was only allowed out at 7 because I was with a group of others. Besides, I'd have probably lost or broken a walkie-talkie, or at the very least had it forcibly removed by big boys.

Age 13, I got chased by a man in a car one night when I was on my way home (on my bicycle!) from trampolining club, age 21 hasseled on the train once, and at age 19 flashed at in Horsham Park.

I think I am now a fairly well rounded person. I was left to do my own thing, with support at home (and still now!) from my mum, and seem to have come out relatively unscathed. I have listed the things that happened to me, because they are SO FEW!

I got sent to a sports summer school when I was 17, and we were canoeing, climbing, judo-ing, all in a socially acceptable setting, and although I went a bit off the rails (despite the stabilisers) I have never looked for 'excitement' elsewhere.

Ever since I can remember, there has been the occasional accident or death which has occurred during a school or youth club trip. Whilst each of these happenings is a tragedy, there is no reason to stop this altogether. If one of the mooselets ends up being involved in an accident while doing these things, that will also be such a tragedy, that I have no way of contemplating, but it will not be because of negligence or lack of care that it happened.

And although, like you Moose, I am inclined to agree with the statemtent, it would appear to be a made-up fact. Where are the findings or substantiations?

I have gone way off, and on.

May the poor girl rest in peace.

muchos as.
love
hazel
x

ps the b*stards (other insulting names are available) have blocked my blog at work! Pshaw!

Moose said...

Oops.
I have to confess that for a wee moment, it started feeling like the old days on the CE blog...I do most humbly apologize. I blame Hazel for starting it!!!

I shall attempt to go back to strict professionalism once more and leave my personality over here...

Anonymous said...

You can blame me anyway Moose. Most people do.

Possibly the arm-candy recently being sported by Mr Potts saw what he'd written, and put a lid on the relationship.

(could NOT let that one go. i make no apologies for the saucepan joke whatsoever)

amore
hathel
x

Anonymous said...

I knew this was a stoater of a blog the minute I saw it this morning!

To all: we are pretty much in the same boat. We were either over-protected as children, or pretty much left to our own devices!

Can I please just say:

Amanda - you are very wise, I think, in advising Moose to leave it a while with the Mooselets. Where's the rush? There's loads of time to let them wander (relatively safely, by the sounds of it) but I understand the concerns of Mrs Moose. Also, great idea to camp in your back yard first!

Lyndyloo - you had a tough time - not fair. So many times, parents don't understand their child is actually a person with their own life to live. They were too over-the-top, but you seem to have accepted this.

Jollygit - I was exactly the same as a child - sent out to play - out all time, home for tea time! What on Earth was my mother doing while I was away for five hours?!!

Susan S - this is good old-fashioned jealousy from your ADULT sister towards your child!! Why would your sister feel threatened by Charis, but she does!! I have completely banned all trips and days out with my sister and my daughter, because my sister is so consumed with jealousy! It is almost impossible to comprehend!

Annalog - re: going to the woods you were forbidden to go to - when I was about 10, I was told to NEVER go near the hills near our home - my dad went completely ballistic and they were called the "Haddy Hills" - barren and horrendous, really. It was only years later that I realised he was thinking of the Yorkshire Moors and what happened there.

This is a huge subject for all of us - thank you Moose, for raising it.

C xx

Anonymous said...

It is obviously hard to strike a definitive balance between letting children enjoy themselves and keeping them safe. Children differ greatly and the input from the parent(s)has a huge influence.

My Dad instilled in me a 'no fear' attitude at an early age, which means I'm still addicted to the fast rides at Alton Towers, love motorbikes etc. I took him to Alton Towers last year, and he was still game for many of the rollercoasters, we had a great time. If he had ever showed any fear, I think I would have inherited that.

My Mum had a couple of experiences at an early age, she saw a friend drown, and also nearly drowned herself, which has left her with an adversity to getting water on her face whilst swimming. However, I was taught to swim almost as soon as I could walk and have a healthy respect for water. I spend some time swimming with her, and because she has complete faith in me, is overcoming this.

The thankfully small number of children that I knew/know who have died/been injured, were in circumstances not particularly risky - getting off the school bus in a quiet village, banging their head on a kitchen cupboard etc. Others could be avoided, a 15-year old cycling home hit a pot hole (2ft deep, reported to the council dozens of times in the last 12 months) and was thrown into the river and drowned.

It is impossible to protect anyone all the time, but I am glad I went to school when we were allowed to play outside, at games that are now banned on health and safety grounds. Although there are probably some boys out there who may wish that kiss-chase had never been allowed....

Anonymous said...

I missed the 2.30 tea break - are there any cakes left?

lyndyloo said...

there's a small hot cross bun if you fancy it annalog, still plenty of butter :) my death by cholcolate and clotted cream has made me a bit sickly but I'll cope!

jollygit said...

Annalog - there's some burnt toast and black butter left, but that's about it! The last jammy doughnut has just gone - mmmmmm ....... you wouldn't have liked it, honest!

jollygit xx

Anonymous said...

Thanks folks - I'll settle for a small hot cross bun with some black butter ... as long as you're sure it's toast crumbs and not mould.

Jollygit - you're right. I wouldn't have liked the jam doughnut. Can't abide the things!

Anonymous said...

Isn't that always the way! I have just been round everybody, except it would appear YOU, annalog, to see if any one wanted half of the last cherry muffin. The sound of speaking up came not, so I have et it.

Although I feel it was more of an oxymoron muffin as there appeared to be a distinct lack of cherriness.

Sponge muffin would have been more to the point.

*** AND WHAT ABOUT THE ECLIPSE THEN? ***

INCREDIBLE AND FANTASTIC OR WHAT!

(I mean beyond credulity and fantasy if anyone cares)

(I think the oxymoron must have had some e's in it)

no brackets were harmed during the writing of this garbage

love
please don't take me awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.....

Anonymous said...

If anyone wants to read the whole article then http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4436482.stm

...but excuse me, what do we all do then? Why on earth have 'they' had 'experts' to carry out experiments for crying out loud!

Moose...one for discussion tomorrow?

The 10 steps to happiness
Plant something and nurture it
Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day
Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week
Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up
Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it
Have a good laugh at least once a day
Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week
Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day
Cut your TV viewing by half
Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day

At risk of sounding like Mrs Lighterthanlightdogoody, the only thing I don't do is the exercise 3 times a week!

Anyone?

jollygit said...

Annalog - phew, that's OK then! I was starting to feel guilty about the doughnut and at the same time trying to get rid of the sugar round me chops in case it gave me away!

Mrs not really Lighterthanlightdogoody - what a lovely list!!

OK - I confess that I don't do the exercise (yet), I haven't quite halved the amount of TV that I watch - yet (due to the novelty of having Sky+ although I'm sure it'll wear off in time) and once the ASBO expires (in about a week's time) I'll be smiling at and talking to strangers again. Otherwise, I'm pretty confident that I do the rest!

jollygit xx

jollygit said...

BTW - I WAS only kidding about the ASBO, honest .....

Anonymous said...

Hazel - I'm with you on the soapbox. Experts? Pah! How have we managed to survive this long without 'em? I think the list should include Moose's blog which keeps a number of us very happy for hours at a time.

Why choose Slough? I went there once. John Betjeman had the right idea ... (no offence intended, I've just got indigestion from the black butter).

Anonymous said...

Hello all

Have dipped in and out, but have been busy..sorry I missed the cakes ( couldn’t eat then anyway.)I am The pepperami kid, for the next 4 weeks!
I remember being allowed out for the afternoon, on my bike with my friend, but wasn’t home on time and my mum was at her wits end!
But I did bob a job week etc…there’s no way I’d let daughter do that now.

I honestly think it depends where you live, and the maturity of the child (and group or child with) I also agree with many who say Brownies/Scouts give a sense of responsibility in a safe environment. Only a parent can judge the rightness for children to be unaccompanied within environment, but I would say that road safety awareness etc isn’t present yet without heavy reminders in sensible daughter of 7 nearly 8. I would always err on side of caution, but hopefully without stifling independence.

I loved the list, Hazel, how thoughtful of you, not at all Mrs lovelifeupsydaisymy knickersarecaughtinmypants kind of way– in fact I think the 3 exercises a week is one of the ones I do do!

Ok chaps, off I go… have a good evening all

Love Caroline x

lyndyloo said...

Due to the gooeyness of the cake I have instigated another 10 minute tea break. As all cakes have now been scoffed I can only offer a selection of biscuits to dunk. Please put in requests in an orderly fashion...

Mine's the bourbon cream!

Moose said...

Have just spent an hour and a half waiting outside the Board room to be allowed in for a 10 minute discussion. I need a cup of tea and something nice with it, but the coffee bars all close at 4.30 and I just missed them.
AAAAAAAArrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggghhhhhhh!!!

I think I'll have to go home. I need to fill up the car (it's OK it's diesel and apparently the problem is sorted - that's what they spent the hour and a half talking about while I was waiting) so I can fill myself up from the kiosk!!!

Am childminding tonight so I'll have to catch up then with your link Hazel...have a few more e-numbers for me...

Anonymous said...

Lyndyloo - Please may I have the shortbread?

Here is some humour to go with the biscuits:

A woman was out golfing one day when she hit her ball into the woods.
She went into the woods to look for it and found a frog in a trap.
The frog said to her, "If you release me from this trap, I will grant you three wishes."

The woman freed the frog, and the frog said, "Thank you, but I failed
To mention that there was a condition to your wishes. Whatever you wish for, your husband will get ....... times ten!"

The woman said, "That's okay." For her first wish, she wanted to be
The most beautiful woman in the world.
The frog warned her, "You do realize that this wish will also make your husband the most handsome man that ever lived, an Adonis whom women will swoon over and flock to".
The woman replied, "That's okay, because I will be the most beautiful woman and he will have eyes only for me."

So, KAZAM!!! - She's the most beautiful woman in the world!

For her second wish, she wanted to be the richest woman in the world.
The frog said, "That will make your husband the richest man in the
World by far. And he will be ten times richer than you."
The woman said, "That's okay, because what's mine is his and what's his is mine."

So, KAZAM!!! - She's the richest woman in the world!

The frog then inquired about her third wish, and after careful
consideration she answered, "I'd like a mild heart attack"

Moral of the story: Women are clever. Don't mess with them.

ATTENTION female readers: This is the end of the joke for you.
Stop here and continue feeling good.

Male readers:

The man had a heart attack ten times milder than his wife!!!

Moral of the story: Women are really dumb but think they're really smart.

Let them continue to think that way and just enjoy the show.

PS: If you are a woman and are still reading this; it only goes to
show that women are nosey and never listen!!!

x

lyndyloo said...

OMG Nic has been auditioning! Why has CLP not introduced him to me yet... does he have no idea?

lyndyloo said...

Gaby are you textng the show again? Can I have a ticket to drool at Nic too?

Anonymous said...

evening all. Good subject moose, there is no suprise in my saying that i cant even begin to imagine what i would think and feel if anything happened to my mancub.... but at the same time - this nanny culture we have has stopped all the fun. Kids dont have any freedom anymore because the media has risen the awareness of bad people/things happening so much that we are all in fear of awful things happening to our children.

I am lucky, where we live all the kids play out on the road (which is a close so not much traffic) and the grown ups are usually at the end of one of our drives drinking tea/coffee/beer/wine so the kids do their thing, we do ours and everybody is happy.

There are woods across the road from us and i must admit that i sometimes worry about the man cub going in and getting up to mischief..... a bit like his dad did when he was a kid...... but i dont want him to feel he cant have his space and do his thing.

There is a space [army] cadets in the village, as well as a scout hut so i suspect he will follow in his dads footsteps and go there - he loves being outside so it will be good to cultivate that!

Lifes for living. Set them free and all that.

IMHO
xx

PS Moose - i can reccommend Ayr Holiday park in st ives. we are camping with the man cub for two weeks in June/july and cant wait - he loves camping and pasties - he will be in heaven! Maybe see you there!!?? There is also a nice site at Hayle where the mooselets can walk straight on to the beach yet still be in your sightlines!
PPS June OAMC - the sloop.........

Anonymous said...

i mean

recommend

dur.

Moose said...

Anna - I have a nice warm house to stay in when in Cornwall...but I'm up for the Sloop. Not sure we'll be there in June though due to annoying thing called school terms!

I think "we" know the people that own the Ayr Holiday Park...

And I just wanted to say Wooohoooooo to Gaby for the mention, even though you were made out to be a stalker!

Anonymous said...

Moose - where is your house!? You could come down for a long weekend with the mooselets - i'd buy you a pint of the finest doon bar. And what ever mrs moose was having!

I missed it gaby, will have to listen again on wednesday when i am in the nottingham office.

off to take the dog a walk - just seen the weather, cant decide who is less inclined to go. me or the airedale.

x

Dogwithnobrain said...

yes moose, we have to let them live. It's a scary scary world, but only by experiencing it do they grow and learn. The horrible accidents which happen are things which let them learn too. My son has been disappearing up mountains since he was 10, and now my husband has started too. I can only hug them before they go and know that they'll be really enjoying themselves despite me sitting at the bottom waiting for their safe return. The looks on their faces when they return and the relief I feel lets me know it was worth the worry. ..... its that old saying.... if you love someone.. let them go.. even if it is up a flipping mountain!