Navigating your child’s fears is such a fun part of parenting. I firmly believe one of life’s greatest lessons is figuring out that fear isn’t always bad- sometimes it’s excitement or discomfort in disguise. Risk taking, bravery, conquering the unknown- whatever that may be, however it’s done, it changes you. When I was a little girl I stood on the edge of a diving board for what felt like hours and was too scared to jump. My Dad came up behind me and shoved me in. Guess what I did for the next few hours? I jumped off the diving board, swam to the steps of the pool, ran back to the diving board to jump in again- over.and.over. I wasted “hours” being scared- letting fear control me. It was a pivotal moment in my youth; a story I’ve told time and time again at clinics and retreats. So, when it was obvious to me that Rudi’s fear was misguided (fish in the water, the speed of the boat or the depth of the river), I first showed her there was nothing to be scared of & then I put her ...