Expert Advice: How to Safely Guide Your Daredevil Child

Parents often face the challenge of raising children who seem to have no fear, constantly seeking out new adventures that might put them at risk. Marie Perarnau, a parenting expert from "La Maison des Maternelles" on France 2, offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to manage these "daredevil" youngsters effectively. Perarnau explains that a child's natural curiosity and desire to explore are normal developmental stages. "All children are curious, and it's quite normal; it's part of their development," she states. However, she highlights a crucial point: children, especially those under seven and even up to 25 years old, do not fully grasp the concept of danger or anticipate risks. This means the responsibility falls on parents to foresee potential hazards. To ensure safety without stifling a child's adventurous spirit, Perarnau advises parents to proactively secure their environment. This includes childproofing homes by securing table corners and drawers. Outdoors, she recommends ensuring play areas are age-appropriate and emphasizes the non-negotiable rule of wearing helmets for activities where it's mandatory, such as cycling, until age 12. Consistency and logic are paramount when setting boundaries. "If it's no, it's no," Perarnau asserts, stressing that all adults involved in the child's care, whether parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles, must enforce the same rules. This unified approach provides the child with clear and predictable limits. Furthermore, Perarnau strongly advocates for channeling a child's boundless energy into structured physical activities. "Our daredevil and very reckless children need to be encouraged to expend energy," she says. Sports like judo, which teaches self-control and discipline; gymnastics, for body awareness; climbing; and swimming are excellent options. These activities not only allow children to safely express their adventurous nature but also teach them crucial safety rules and self-regulation, helping them thrive while minimizing risks.