In recent weeks events in the media have reminded me that the world we live in can be a dangerous place; terror attacks, natural disaster and general every day accidents and tragedies. Whilst I try not to worry about the negative aspects of being a human being, it’s difficult. I have four children, three teenagers and a seven year old. As a mother I have been through the early worries, when they are sick as babies, when they want to walk to school on their own, go to London to concerts, and recently one of my boys flew to America on his own for the first time. The first instinct is to wrap your children up in cotton wool (or bubble wrap which appeals to my sense of humour more), but I also want them to experience the world, so I try my best not to discourage their adventures.
I have always believed that if you keep your children informed from the very beginning they will have the tools to make good choices when it comes to risks. I will explain all the dangers to my children, and often counteract with the usual “you have more chance of being kicked to death by a donkey” to put it into perspective. I was always taught that giving into fear is not an option, and I hope their fear never stops them from experiencing life. I can’t always be there with them to protect them but I hope they take my wise words with them.
What I really want to say is that the world is a wonderful place and we should experience as much of it as we can, don’t allow negativity to overtake your choices. Easter is about new beginnings, so let us all vow to make a positive change in the world, take more risks, be happy, love and care for those around us. I say this as I search the internet for the largest roll of bubble wrap I can find…