Child

Daredevil kids

October 2, 2023

Some kids are reckless beyond reason. We try to hold them back, but they always find a way to climb everywhere and continuously put themselves in dangerous situations.

Your child is always climbing everywhere, putting their hands into everything and rarely listening to basic safety rules? Daredevil kids are known to be reckless and for making their parents worry a lot. But why do some kids look for thrills more than others and what can parents do to help their little daredevil?

Daredevil kids: a question of temperament

Reckless kids don't wake up that way overnight; they've often been accumulating bruises ever since they learned how to crawl! Parents of these children notice that they don't seem to be afraid of danger, it's quite the opposite: they have an unending curiosity about their environment and rarely ask questions before rushing head-first into something. According to Stephanie Deslauriers, psycho-educator, it's because this personality trait is largely influenced by their temperament: « Daredevil kids are unaware of the danger that surrounds them, so they have difficulty decoding their environment. Because they live only in the present, and they are looking for intense emotions, they don't necessarily think about the consequences of their actions. »

Many parents of daredevil kids think that their child may have a disorder, like ADHD. This impression is sometimes exacerbated by the judgment of family and friends who don't necessarily know your child as well as you do. The people who only see the outward signs of daredevil kids, like being less aware of danger and impulsivity, might jump to a hasty conclusion that they are suffering from a disorder which is not necessarily the case. Ms. Deslauriers reassures parents that being reckless doesn't automatically point to a disorder. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to link this personality trait to other elements of the child's personality.
How to help our little daredevils?

As is the case with all other aspects of our child's life, we have to know how to pick our battles. Try to prioritize dangerous or unsafe behaviors by assessing the consequences of their actions. By doing that, you can focus your energy on what really matters, and your child won't feel overwhelmed by expectations they can't meet. Stephanie Deslauriers also recommends diversifying your methods of communication to find one that your child will best respond to. This might mean not prohibiting certain behaviors, but rather to encourage this behavior in a safe environment and teaching your child to take responsibility. You may also want to use books or games that put the danger back in context to help your child see the potential dangers.

Finding the good sides of daredevil kids

Don't hesitate to look at the bright side: brave children have qualities that other kids don't. Indeed, a kid who climbs everywhere is developing skills and abilities that will serve them one day. What kind of kids were the top athletes, record-breakers, and stunt actors? They impress us as adults but can you imagine how their parents felt when they were kids?

So instead of stopping your child from doing something you consider dangerous, Ms. Deslauriers suggests that you develop their interests in a safe environment. This method respects their personality and allows them to explore in their own way while protecting them from negative experiences and serious accidents.

The moms on our Facebook page share their tips and tricks to deal with daredevil kids!
  • Get the child in karate classes. It teaches them discipline and helps them how to use their energy in a positive and focused way. - Mauna
  • Invent games that will help them develop safety rules. - Marie-Claude
  • I would put my child into sports he likes and that use his talents like circus school, trampoline, etc. - Chantal
  • I think we have to allow our kids to take calculated risks. If they never hurt themselves, how can they know what's dangerous? - Manon
  • Maybe getting the child involved with household tasks. It would make him feel older, and you can take the opportunity to teach him what is dangerous and what isn't at the same time. Kids love to help us! – Sabrina

Collaboration: Stephanie Deslauriers, psychoeducator.

Image de Mariem Melainine
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