Play With Knives

I am gemused to see that Bear Grylls has said that children should be allowed to play with knives, because it can “empower" them by teaching them how to do something dangerous but safely.

This despite the fact that his 6 year old son Huckleberry cut himself with an ultra sharp penknife and was happily bleeding all over the place.

Grylls makes a valid point that instead of avoiding/minimising risk, children should learn how to manage it.

Grylls is quoted by the Telegraph:

“When I say to budding adventurers, ‘Listen – a blunt penknife is a dangerous knife. Make sure it’s really sharp’ – the kids’ faces light up. Like all kids, they want a mega-sharp penknife – great, but teach them to respect it and use it properly.

Two hundred years ago, I doubt there was a six-year-old in Britain who couldn’t start a fire with a knife and a flint. It would be like a six-year-old today using a fork to pick up a fishfinger. Kids were taught to be resourceful and practical.”

He added:

“There is risk everywhere, even when you go out on the street. So if you teach kids to dodge risk, you totally disempower them.
You empower kids by teaching them how to do something dangerous, but how to do it safely.”

Absolutely right!

Sadly, given the society we now live in, I wouldn't be surprised if some busybody reports the knife incident to Nanny (who of course will feel "obliged" to investigate).

Visit The Orifice of Government Commerce and buy a collector's item.

Visit The Joy of Lard and indulge your lard fantasies.

Show your contempt for Nanny by buying a T shirt or thong from Nanny's Store.

www.nannyknowsbest.com is brought to you by www.kenfrost.com "The Living Brand"

Visit Oh So Swedish Swedish arts and handicrafts

Why not really indulge yourself, by doing all the things that Nanny really hates? Click on the relevant link to indulge yourselves; Food, Bonking, Gifts and Flowers, Groceries