Child Quote by Gever Tulley
““Licking a 9-volt battery, learning to whittle, riding a bicycle, climbing trees: we may not see these as necessities like learning to read and write (until you need to make a marshmallow roasting stick or escape a mad dog); however, they are some of the thousands of experiences that build self-confidence and make up a life lived fully. It’s tempting to let our fears keep us from allowing children to have these kinds of experiences, but as parents and caretakers we need to confront our biases just as kids need to face their own challenges.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Dangerous Book for Kids”, 2007
Hands‑on, unconventional experiences build confidence and a full life; fear often blocks them, but confronting bias lets children grow.
In simple terms: Unusual activities boost confidence; fear limits growth.
Key Takeaway
Encourage risky play and confront biases.
Themes
confidence
growth
risk
parenting
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
parenting
motivational
When to use this quote
- camping trips
- DIY projects
- outdoor play
- skill workshops
Key Concepts
experiential learning
self‑efficacy
risk‑taking
Questions to Reflect On
- What experiences did you miss that could have built confidence?
- How can adults model risk‑taking for kids?
A Different Perspective
Safety concerns and modern regulations may restrict such activities.
