“Feel the fear and do it anyway” starts in early childhood

One of my all time favourite reads, "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers sheds light on how fears can take root during early childhood, laying the foundation for our emotional responses and behavior in later life. Jeffers emphasizes that these early experiences play a crucial role in shaping our attitudes towards uncertainty, risk, and challenges. She delves into the notion that children are naturally fearless explorers, but external influences and experiences can instill fears that linger into adulthood. By understanding this profound connection between early childhood experiences and our lifelong fears, we gain insight into the immense impact early interventions and supportive environments can have in empowering children to face their fears with resilience and courage. Through this book, we uncover the transformative potential of nurturing fearlessness from a young age and cultivating a mindset that encourages embracing challenges rather than succumbing to paralyzing fears.


While it's essential to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, it's equally important to allow children to explore, learn, and grow fearlessly.
Early childhood is a crucial time for development, and one of the best places to witness this balance between risk assessment and fearlessness is at a kinder, where children are encouraged to navigate the world with curiosity and courage. How is this achieved at kinder?


The Power of Play:
At the heart of a child's growth lies play, and it is through play that they explore the world around them. Within the safe confines of a kindergarten, children are offered ample opportunities to engage in unstructured play, which fosters creativity and imagination. Through play, children learn to identify and understand their boundaries, making them more adept at assessing potential risks independently.


Educators as Facilitators:
In a kindergarten environment that encourages risk assessment, educators play a crucial role as facilitators. Rather than acting as overbearing guardians, they are trained to observe, intervene only when necessary, and allow children to navigate their challenges. Educators create a balance between providing a secure environment and encouraging children to take calculated risks, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions.


Learning from Failures:
A kinder that embraces risk assessment acknowledges that failures are an integral part of the learning process. Children are encouraged to try new activities and engage in tasks that might be slightly beyond their comfort zone. When faced with challenges and setbacks, they are supported and guided to reflect on their experiences, learn from their mistakes, and try again. This approach instills resilience and the courage to face future challenges with determination.


Outdoor Exploration:
One of the most effective ways to foster fearlessness and risk assessment is by providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. In the natural world, children encounter various elements and situations that require careful judgment. Climbing trees, balancing on uneven terrain, or crossing small streams teaches them to assess their abilities and take calculated risks.


Witnessing young children confidently exploring the world, making decisions, and learning from their experiences is a testament to the power of balanced education. By providing opportunities for play, empowering educators, learning from failures, embracing outdoor exploration, and gaining parental support, these kindergartens lay a strong foundation for a future generation of curious, resilient, and fearless explorers, ready to take on the world with confidence.