For sure there is a tricky balance to find, but what I have noticed is that it is mostly just our own fears which tell us to 'protect' them from something. On many occasions I have resisted this feeling and simply watched... and ALWAYS they have figured it out for themselves without any tears.

Though a basic understanding of the world is still required first... some things are hot, some things are cold and when there is nothing underneath us we fall till there is something underneath us!

That about covers it ;)