Expanding The Horizons of the Next Generation
by Terri Bynoe

"Take a chance and avoid Parkinson's Disease."

Do you remember that health headline from a few weeks ago? It seems that a certain personality types are more prone to developing Parkinson's Disease. Among a number of factors defined as associated with Parkinson's Disease, is an aversion to risk. Who would ever think that the cautious, low sensation seeker was at risk for any major stumbling block, never mind a serious illness.

Parents must be developing Parkinson's Disease at alarming rates, since the idea of taking a chance and caring for children responsibly seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. If our family consists of a wife and husband, we are no longer making decisions affecting one party. Thus begins a balancing act where taking chances poses risks that were not present when we were single. Add children to the equation and suddenly, we would rather have a root canal than dare to take a chance.

Prior to Baby's arrival, we take our prenatal vitamins religiously, eat massive amounts of fruits and vegetables, avoid alcohol and refrain from being within 100 miles of anyone smoking a cigarette. Habits we thought nothing of imposing on our own bodies are now forbidden fruit for our budding offspring.

Beginning with our first trip home with Baby, we are pensive and safe. Is the car seat properly installed? Is his neck receiving enough support? Who would ever take a chance with such precious cargo onboard? And the overabundance of caution does not stop there. Once home, we continue our protective onslaught in the name of Baby. We seal off toilet seats, stairs and electrical plugs with more vigor than the Department of Homeland Security. We build countless fortresses between Baby and the demons lurking inside our own homes.

As we nurture our children and they grow, we no longer lock cabinets (except perhaps the liquor cabinet), but we nevertheless remain vigilant protectors of our children's safety and we remind them always that taking even the slightest risk can result in tragedy. I am always admonishing one child or another to grab a jacket because, "It is cold outside and you will wish you had it when you're on the playground". My parents still do the same for me, minus the playground part, even though I'm long past my 'tween years. I guess if I ever reach the ripe old age of 80 and my parents are still around, the scenario won't be much different. After all, parents were placed on this earth to protect children, the young and the not so young.

So how can we as protectors of the next generation consider taking a risk, or recommending that they do so? By reminding them of the boundless opportunities that lie before them. Just as we tell them to wear a coat, drive safely and be kind to others, so should we instill in them a sense of adventure and excitement and the expansive universe of possibilities that will manifest themselves only if they step outside their comfort zones now and then.

Remind your children regularly that people who play it safe all the time rarely maximize their potential in life. Encourage them to step outside of their comfortable boxes and take a carefully calculated risk or two. Who knows? You just may be improving the quality of life in their golden years.

And for yourself, insist on prudence and caution when necessary. Otherwise, simply bite your lip, say a prayer. A watch them soar.

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Terri Bynoe earned a BA from the University of South Carolina with a concentration in Psychology while raising 3 boys. She puts her professional training and keen sense of "what makes people tick" to good use in her home, community and anyplace else where she can edify and encourage others. Together with her husband, an emergency room trauma surgeon, Terri serves on several non-profit and charitable boards and is making a positive difference in her Columbia, South Carolina community.