Climbing High – Taking Risks!

As a child, I climbed high trees and slippery cliffs, secretly went to the house’s roofs, and hung from the ladder my head down. Was I too adventurous?

By Tuula Pere

November 1^st, 2021

Climbing High – Taking Risks!

As a child, I climbed high trees and slippery cliffs, secretly went to the house's roofs, and hung from the ladder my head down. Was I too adventurous? Maybe, but my perception was that I knew my limits.

Or if I didn't know yet, I had to find them. It wasn't enough if someone else told me what to do or to avoid. My own experience about the boundaries was the most reliable criterion for me.

Most of my childhood adventures I did alone. It seemed to be most natural because when hiking alone, I could make all the decisions myself. Admittedly, wandering in a darkening forest or skiing on a long trail in a snowstorm sometimes felt too exciting – but survival boosted self-confidence.

Although I lived and enjoyed a reasonably free life as a child in the countryside, I haven't given my children the same freedom later. I have often wondered why not. The main reason is undoubtedly the desire to protect the dearest people in the world. Also, society has changed, and city life – even in a safe residential environment – is different from those days in a country village.

The adult me realizes what risks my childhood outings involved. Fortunately, nothing happened. I have gathered a lot of memories, excellent topics for my own children's books, too! On the other hand, I write books about children's fears and present ways to overcome them. On the other hand, I also write books about children who need freedom and the opportunity to implement ideas that sometimes seem insane to others.

Both types of children need the opportunity to live a childhood that suits them and their personalities. The adults around them have one crucial task. Parents and relatives, instructors, and educators need the wisdom and patience to understand the child's individual needs – sometimes support and help, sometimes giving enough freedom for struggling, testing, making mistakes, and even being a daredevil.

At least I wouldn't have become my current self without a bike that quickly took me anywhere within a 5-mile radius or a boat that I rowed to nearby islands and beaches. The hideaways in the middle of the forest, or high up in a tree, made me realize that I am enough and able to survive alone. Childhood adventures have given me a frame around my mirror. From there, the same curious child still looks at me even today – still ready to try something new and challenging!