We Said “Yes”

I love putting something up on the blog and getting the benefit of everyone else’s experience and advice. In the case of Social Butterfly’s desire to cliff-jump from The Devil’s Punchbowl it was Yo that set my mind at ease—she’s actually jumped into the pool and knew the water was deep enough.

SB went on Sunday and had a blast—though it was unseasonably chilly and they had lots of wind. Because it was so cold she only made a couple of jumps—it was scary, but fun and she definitely plans on going back.

The thing about teenager is that everything is a balancing act. You have to make everything into a complicated equation and hope it balances in the end.

In this case the equation went like this:

Girl that’s been encouraged to be fearless + parents applauding her for jumping off cliffs in their presence (Crystal Lake in Mammoth) + knowledge that if you keep saying no to a (semi-) reasonable request you risk not being asked in the future + getting input from your blogging buddies = permission to go.

It was the right decision—just because she’s my baby doesn’t mean she’s still a baby.

Comments

[Steph]

I fear the tight rope dangling in my future. So easy to get wrapped and strangled by it. Nicely done.

[Jocelyn]

You're saying so much more here than what you're saying, of course. In particular, I'm seeing the disconnect (a natural one) between what we parents urge in our children and then what we're comfortable with when they make their own decisions, based on the upbringing we provided.

Mostly: cheers to YO!

[JCK]

*sigh* Just because she's your baby doesn't mean she is a baby. So true...

Good for you, Jenn, letting her take that leap.

[busy bee suz]

I love your equation here. It seemed to work well.
Glad she had fun!!!

[Reluctant Blogger]

Oh you are such a superb parent, Jenn. I am full of admiration for you and that the way you raise your children.

I know this will come to me one day. Well, my eldest son is like your Danger Boy and he is constantly testing the limits both in terms of what i will allow and what he can physically achieve.

[green girl in Wisconsin]

I'm glad it went well. She'll always remember she did that and had your blessing.

[Brightside-Susan]

Yep. I am sure you had your heart in your throat all day (I would have.) But you are right - You want her to keep asking permission, so you have to say yes to the stuff that isn't absolutely out of the question.

[Tammy]

Love the equation, I'm going to file it away for future use. I'm glad she went, had a good time and stayed safe!

[kellyg]

I can see that balancing act/equation in my future, too.

I'm glad SB had a good time. I am scared of heights and the one time I finally worked up the courage to jump off a cliff (like the ones at Crystal Lake), it was the best feeling ever.

[Suzy]

Great equation!

[kcinnova]

Ah, the dangers of teaching kids to be fearless... and the dangers of being logical! I'm just glad it wasn't my decision to make. I would have wanted an EMT waiting on the sidelines during those jumps... but I'm a chicken.

[jenrantsraves]

I am going to confer with you when I have a teenager, just so you know.

[Wenderina]

I gave you an award on my site - Prolific blogger you!

[Jason]

And I said yes to my daughter, too about that frat party.

[Mom Taxi Julie]

UGH it's like watching the kids on the jungle gym. It seriously makes me sick to my stomach and I can't watch lol. I'm so worried someone is going to fall and break something or land on their head and be messed up forever. BUT you do have to close your eyes and just let them go, don't you!

[Yo is Me]

oh wow! so glad she had fun and was safe!