As parents, we try our best to shelter our children from pain and sorrow and hard times. Sometimes, we do too good a job and our children are released into the universe ignorant that there are evil things lurking all around and vastly unprepared to meet the challenges of the world.
Sadly, we have to teach our children to maka 'ala, be alert or cautious. Never talk to strangers. Do not get into a stranger's car. Don't open the door if you do not know the person outside. But we cannot teach them all the don'ts, nevers, watch outs that might exist in the world.
Sometimes, we need to let our children learn the hard way, the ways of the world. Sure, we might contribute our two cents of wisdom but whether it is heeded is another discussion for another day. Kids have their own minds and their own motivations. Even if your child is an adult, he or she is still viewed as a kid, no matter how old. It hurts to see them do something dumb, foolish, naive and then get burned but it is a life lesson that one thousand words from our mouth cannot teach.
It is important to allow our young to try things out. Challenge themselves. Then they will not be afraid to try things when they are on their own. While it is difficult to stand on the side, bridle our tongues, cross our fingers, and stop ourselves from taking over, the self restraint is worth it if the young 'un can pick himself or herself up and move forward. It is far better to have this than to have our kids hanging onto our apron strings like the kingyo no unko.
kingyo no unko - A Japanese description of kids who follow their parents like the poop string of a goldfish.
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