What does freedom mean to a child?
I’m trying something new. Monday through Friday I’ll be sharing a two-minute idea about fatherhood. I hope you find value in these quick posts.
Freedom means so many different things to so many different people. My little girl probably doesn’t have an opinion on what freedom means to her, it’s likely too abstract of an idea for a four-year-old to grasp. Or maybe I’m not giving her enough credit.
In any case, as a daily spectator of hers, I can’t help but think that freedom, to her, or to any four-year-old for that matter, may include a bicycle. Bicycles give their stubby little legs the freedom to keep up the adults for their first time in their life; bicycles give them the freedom to explore neighbourhoods (and thus playgrounds) that were once only accessible by car or stroller; bicycles give them freedom to push the fine line between speed and safety, between cuts and comfort.
As I watch her speed-wobble down a hill, letting out a squeal of excitement as she flirts with danger, I can’t help but think that that’s exactly the type of freedom a child needs. It’s a freedom that allows them to go just beyond their comfort zone to see what triumphs and tribulations await them when they goes just a bit too far and bit too fast. Consider that a metaphor for life if you’d like.
Thanks for reading,
Andrew ✌🏻
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Speeding down a hill? Sounds about right. 😂
Being able to do something on their own, in my humble opinion, is the first step towards freedom—and self confidence. 🙏🏻