When I was a child, I used to run around in the hills near my home. I would catch crabs in the river, jumping across from rock to rock. I took that fearless, free feeling for granted.
But something changed when I had children. Suddenly I could see all the dangers in the world, magnified like giant obstacles that my children might stumble over. The sun has become something that causes skin cancer. Strangers have become potential paedophiles. And the rocks are slippery, be careful, you could break your leg.
Will I ever be fearless again, I wonder? Or have I passed all my courage to my sons?
Now they jump from rock to rock, calling behind them: 'Come on, Mom, it's easy!'
For a courage boost, read Tracy Engelbrecht's column on facing fear.
What are your worst fears for your children?
But something changed when I had children. Suddenly I could see all the dangers in the world, magnified like giant obstacles that my children might stumble over. The sun has become something that causes skin cancer. Strangers have become potential paedophiles. And the rocks are slippery, be careful, you could break your leg.
Will I ever be fearless again, I wonder? Or have I passed all my courage to my sons?
Now they jump from rock to rock, calling behind them: 'Come on, Mom, it's easy!'
For a courage boost, read Tracy Engelbrecht's column on facing fear.
What are your worst fears for your children?