preventing dumb injuries

[GymBot]

I know this sounds like heresy — but are minor injuries part of the learning process of children?If we keep kids completely cocooned in protective bubbles, will they appreciate greater potential risk? Do we need to shut down playgrounds?Consider the athletes you know. Some have had “dumb injuries”. Some have never had a major injury.Why?What [...]

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[Geoffrey Taucer]

Getting scraped, bruised, bashed, even breaking bones — it’s all a normal and acceptable part of growing up.

We are barring kids from doing all sorts of activities and closing playgrounds because of the risks, and simultaneously scratching our heads wondering why they’re getting fat and lazy and not getting enough physical activity.

[hammy]

Bumps, bruises, scrapes, and even some minor broken bones are part of growing up. I agree with Geoffrey; if we don't give children opportunities to play outside they're going to become lazy and fat. It's funny how people can look at things as horrible today, such as saftey on a playground, when kids have been playing on playgrounds forever. People are always at risk for an injury, it's part of living life. I've had friends break their ankle walking through the gym or jumping off a mat. Just last week I had a gymnast dislocate her elbow falling after tripping over a mat. Injuries are always going to be around; sometimes it is appropriate to eliminate the risk but if we eliminate everything that creates a "risk" then we're all going to end up fat, lazy and with no physical activity.