Prospective buyers recently came through our house. The loved it; they wanted it to be “the one”, but they had one major problem: their 6 (SIX) year old was frightened by the steep stairs up to the third floor attic (which has been remodeled and is our prime play room now). Their agent, incidentally, works in the same office as our agent, and he reported, “They really liked the house, but they are very protective parents, so those stairs were the deal breaker.”
The stairs are up to code, with a plush carpet on them. The area is well lit, and has a sturdy hand rail. Our 3 year old scampers up and down them without a problem. Our 11 month old is trying to do the same. These are not stairs of horror.
I don’t know these buyers’ whole story (maybe there is real trauma involved here), but from the outside it seems like another mad joke of modern parenting. Parents seem to over protect their children in some areas, and yet throw them to the wolves in others.
In terms of those stairs –I say– tell the kid, “Yes, it’s very scary, but you know, you’ll soon get used to it, and you won’t be scared any more.” Acknowledge the fear, but encourage them that such fear can be overcome –and that as a parent, you will be there for them.
It’s a good reminder to analyze decisions I have to make: am I making them out of fear? If I am, why? And, what will I use to overcome those fears?
