Children wrapped in cotton wool and shielded from the world will be prevented from discovering their own capabilities and fail to master sensible behaviour.

In a society of faster cars, smaller families and increased emotional investment in our children, parents are inevitably more risk-averse than in the past. But there is a way to educate children about danger without stunting their development.

I always gave my children more responsibility and freedom than their peers. I began by walking them through situations they would eventually confront on their own.

On the roads, safety was paramount. I taught them the importance of road safety and where to cross. Initially I told them when to step off the pavement but eventually I asked them their opinion. Although every child is different, this makes it possible to tell whether they are ready to cross alone by assessing their judgment.

Children should be allowed to go to the park to play without their parents’ supervision, providing that there is safety in numbers. In general, it is healthy to give the child responsibility for his or her actions. In that way, they can learn what is sensible behaviour.

Mobile phones are useful when a child is away from the home but should be used sparingly. The child needs to know that he or she is trusted to act properly.

Mistakes will be made; that is part of the learning curve. But fear of the unknown should not prevent parents from trusting their children.

— Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer is a child development specialist

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