What a great post @sweetpea. These are the kinds of things that baffle most parents. How do we really deal with situations that arise that put us on the spot--where we feel we have to respond immediately and know others are watching? I always think these subjects are worth exploration as parenting is one of the most important things we can do on this planet-. Raising a high-vibe community of thriving, capable, inquisitive, responsible generation of human beings will indeed change the world!

I always find that the first thing to do is assess the situation, but not from a place of fear. Kids just really want to explore. I know I wouldn't like it one bit if someone were to move my body in ways I didn't want it moved, or to have someone come swoop me away from something I am fascinated about discovering. That stream was probably calling his name as there were likely all kinds of interesting things about it he would want to know. Sometimes we squash their zest for learning and discovery by rushing to rescue because we are scared. Facing my own fears is my first go-to.

So you don't really know what is in that deeper part of the stream, but if it's a stream there is at least some moving water and therefore less likely to be filled with terrible lurking creatures--at least it could be worth a closer look to find out. I think I would have gotten excited about the deep part of that stream too, and taken him with me (by the hand if he wants) for a closer look. We could look at it closely for mosquito larvae, water skippers, tadpoles, floating sticks or leaves, other bugs, or living things in there that would capture his interest and potential slow down his desire to just jump in. And while there, I'd make a better assessment as to whether this water is really a problem, or if my fear is just getting the best of me.

There are many ways to engage water and I'd be playing right along with them checking out all the things about it and explaining all the things I was thinking about it along the way. We could throw small pebbles into the water, throw leaves at it and see how many we can get to float, we can poke lots of sticks in it and dig some of the bottom up to see what's under there. If he were older I would take a container of the water home and look at it under a magnifying glass. I can instill in him a love and understanding of nature.

Our children will come aware with better awareness, discovery skills, curiosity peaked and potentially saturated, they will get to explore things that are potentially dangerous with more information, safely with you while he sees you are interested in his well-being, his inquisitive nature, and others around you may also see there are alternative ways of dealing with "scary" situations. Help him discover why it may be dangerous so he will grow to make these determinations for himself.

I have found that most parents don't have a very wide perspective or a great amount of skills to deal with these situations, so were likely feeling sorry for you having to deal with a screaming child, which is very common for a large number of families. I think we can avoid the screaming fit all together if we remember that all things are opportunities for learning and empowering our children. If we check in on our own fears, have patience, and shoot for in-the-moment involvement and understanding over control, we can activate a "positive" outcome. Always being on the side of the child, nurturing and supporting curiosity builds trust for you both, and allows him the freedom to act with greater awareness, not out of frustration and anger.

If he is a dare devil kinda kid, he will be wise to develop skills now, and have as much experience as possible in examining situations and beginning to take responsible for his own well-being.

Thanks for engaging the conversation @sweetpea. I'm grateful to exchange with you.