Danger Danger

My mother and father had friends when I was little and they had a baby named Casey. Instead of saying the word "no" repeatedly to Casey, they tried to teach her the concept of danger. My parents said they were reminded of Lost in Space. Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Now, the question I have is this: which is more scarring to a child? The repeated use of "no" to establish boundaries or the depiction of the world as dangerous?

I chose this topic to go with this picture because of the inherent danger of a tractor. Recently, on our baby board, it has been a source of debate. Would you let your toddler ride a tractor with their dad or grandpa (or mother, for that matter!)? I say, let 'em ride. I fondly remember riding on my grandfather's lap. The smell of leaded gasoline and fresh cut lawn piercing my nostrils. The heat off the engine made me all sweaty and then dust and bits of grass would stick to me and make me gritty. It was dirty business, but I felt like a queen. It was a highlight of grandparent trips. Sure, it was dangerous, but well worth it for the memory.

I hope Elena will ride the tractor with my father, her grandfather, and form similar memories. I hope she will ride atop his lap proudly. I hope she doesn't fear danger of any sort, but is able to be brave. I won't be surprised, however, if my openness to let her try new things, backfires and she is less apt to. Life is funny that way.