We have a pony wall at our house. I like it because it gives an open feel to the second story. We can look over the wall at the lower level below. It is high enough that it is not easy to climb. It would not have been easy to climb that is, unless we mistakenly left a stepladder used for changing a light bulb in the hallway. We intended to move it. It was pushed up away from the pony wall closer to the wall on the other side.
I was getting the Sugar Snaps ready for the day, helping them to get dressed when I stepped into the hallway and saw Xayden. He had moved the stepladder to the pony wall and had one foot on the top of the wall, ready to straddle it. After I pulled him off the wall with an exclamation of “Nooooo!,” and moved the step ladder far, far away, tears streamed down my face as I thought about what could have been. I knew the moment I saw him that we could have lost him if he had fallen off that wall. I had nightmares about it the rest of that week, seeing him on the floor below, broken beyond repair.
The accident that almost happened was our fault. We know they are capable of moving ladders. But, we are with them all the time and had intended to move it soon. We didn’t move it soon enough. The Sugar Snaps could see that I was upset. They could read the fear in my eyes. But, I knew that they really didn’t get it. They would climb the wall again if given the chance. I had to show them what would happen if they fell off the pony wall. They did not know that people can break beyond repair.
The classic nursery rhyme of Humpty Dumpty speaks about what can happen when something fragile falls off of the wall. I knew they needed to see an egg dropped off our pony wall to get a glimpse of the fragility of the human body. I discussed the nursery rhyme with them and talked about the bones of the human body being fragile like the shell of an egg. If people suffer a “great fall,” they will not be the same afterwards. I showed them an egg, had them sit down, and then went upstairs and dropped it from the second level onto the slate floor below.
They were a little surprised by what the egg looked like after the fall. We talked about how it could not be put back together again, ever. A doctor could not mend this egg. No one could. If they were to fall from the wall, they would never be the same again. This was not a fun conversation, but it was one we needed to have. I hope they understand the danger better than they did before. We will not leave the means to climb the wall in the hallway again. We are very grateful that a tragedy did not occur. Have you had tough conversations with your children or students about safety? Please share in the comments. I’d love to read about it.
That is a very good lesson in safety for the kids!
Thank you Working Mom Magic. It was a hard lesson for me to share with them.
: 0 ) Theresa
It can be hard to talk about scary things happening to your babies. There was a near abduction in our city, which brought us back to talking to our son about strangers. You want them to know about dangers in life, but you don't want them to be scared, just cautions. I love your lesson here! A very good concept that even they can understand.
What a great way to convey a message in a way they can understand! (I wouldn't have liked the mess though, lol!)
Great lesson on safety. My kids love to climb up this small wall that borders our neighbors yard. I have to hold their hand because, even though it's about three feet high, that's a long fall for a kid.
Hi Twitchetts BlogSpot.
We have talked about strangers too. I agree with you that it is a tough line to walk. We need them to be informed but don't want them to be scared.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Emma.
The mess was a little yucky. I was relieved it did not splatter on the carpet where they were sitting. Slate is not too bad. The carpet would have been worse!
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Melissa Matters.
I agree that 3 feet is a long way when you are really little. I think we always worry as parents about our kids falling.
: 0 ) Theresa
Oh, no!!! So scary! Accidents can happen that fast 🙁 Great lesson!
Hi Laura.
Yes, it is scary. As parents, we try so hard to keep them safe but things can happen quickly.
: 0 ) Theresa
Glad there were no serious injuries. We have had to talk with our toddler about our doors lately. When I'd step out on the porch to retrieve a package or let the dog out, he'd lock the door behind me. Yikes! Luckily both times he did it, my husband was home as well.
Hi Donella.
I can relate to your story! One of our kids locked me and our other three out in the HOT (100's) weather for hours! My husband was not home. Lesson learned. I now carry a key in my pocket even to let our puppies out.
: 0 ) Theresa
glad there were no injuries, great lesson for the kids
Aw, their little faces are so precious! When I taught Kindergarten, one of our rules was Be Safe! It's very important to discuss safety issues. I think humpty dumpty is the perfect way to relate those issues to kids.
Hi Terri Lynne.
We were very lucky there were no injuries. It really made us think about how fast something could have happened!
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Tricia.
I like the rule you had for your class. It is a great one! I think ours are not sure about what is and isn't safe sometimes. We just need to keep expanding the definition for them.
: 0 ) Theresa
Lovely! Great lesson for kids.
Oh gosh, I can't imagine what you went through. Good for you for making it a teachable moment.
thank you Shaney. I hope it sticks with them.
: 0 ) Theresa
Hi Jen.
It was very scary. I hope they understand the danger now.
: 0 ) Theresa
What a great way to teach kids this important lesson – I feel like my toddler isn't afraid of anything and is always trying to fall off my bed. I will try this application and hopefully it works!
Thank you Noa.
I hope it works for your little one. They sometimes think they are invincible at this age. I imagine that invincible feeling will return when they are teenagers!
: 0 ) Theresa
What a very composed way to handle a very stressful/scary situation! I'm impressed with your object lesson. We had to have a conversation about power outlets that was similar to this Humpty Dumpty moment. Thanks for the post!
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Thank you Deborah.
It is so scary when you try so hard to protect your children and something frightening still happens. I realized I needed to use fear as a tool for them to regulate themselves as there are moments when I am helping one and cannot have my eyes on all of them. Outlets are scary too! We have told them that, but not to the level of the Humpty Dumpty lesson. Perhaps that will be next.
: 0 ) Theresa