The next step

Click to enlarge

Taking the next step in life, for any of us, can be daunting, even life threatening. Not for this little guy, however. He’s going to step into a puddle. It’s going to splash water and mud onto his new red boots and trousers. It’s going to be fun, and he’s going to do it again. And again.

But at this point, it’s an unknown entity, and it’s scary. The water might be deep. Over his head. And there could be monsters lurking within those depths. Big scary monsters that eat children. Who knows?

His parents, that’s who. They know it’s an ankle deep puddle. It’s why they’re happy for him to take the risk. To discover his next step is not life threatening. By keeping their distance they’re creating an environment where he can learn and derive pleasure from his endeavours.

The little boy is learning caution, although he doesn’t realise it. His hesitation is a safety mechanism and gives his parents enough time to yell a warning. Or even leap to his rescue. As long as they don’t rush in and hold his hand or pull him away from the puddle so he doesn’t get wet, he’ll have an experience. His reward will be fun. As long as they keep their distance.

In years to come, he probably won’t remember this experience. If there was a monster in the puddle and it snapped at him, he would remember it. And that his father rushed over and smashed the monster, rescuing him. It's the way of life. We remember more of the scary, horrible things than the little, inconsequential happenings that gave us pleasure. Maybe it’s nature’s way of teaching us caution, risk assessment, and how to stay alive.

But then, if his parents continue to allow him to do things like getting wet and muddy he’ll learn caution and judgement on his own, and be able to make decisions that, normally, will keep him safe and happy. He’ll be able to assess the difference between a puddle and a great big hole that hides all kinds of dangers.

And he will come to know that there is no such thing as monsters. Well, mostly.