My kids cage-dived with sharks on vacation. People may judge my parenting, but I don’t want my children to live in fear.
2024-09-28
Embracing Adventure: A Family's Fearless Approach to Parenting
Monet Hambrick, a seasoned travel blogger, shares her family's extraordinary adventures and the lessons they've learned along the way. From shark cage diving to hang gliding, Monet and her husband have encouraged their children to embrace the thrill of exploration, even when it means facing their own fears.
Empowering Children to Conquer Their Fears
Overcoming Personal Limitations
Monet's own aversion to heights and roller coasters hasn't stopped her from allowing her children to experience the exhilaration of adventure. When the family went zip-lining in Costa Rica, Monet's eldest daughter eagerly took on the Tarzan swing, a feat that left Monet "nearly crying" during the experience. Monet's willingness to let her children push their boundaries has been a testament to her belief that fear is a learned behavior, not an inherent trait.
Embracing the Thrill of the Unknown
The Hambrick family's travels have taken them to over 35 countries, with Monet and her husband James exposing their daughters, Jordyn and Kennedy, to a world of possibilities. From shark cage diving in South Africa to hang gliding in Orlando, the girls have embraced activities that Monet herself would never dare to try. Monet's unwavering support for her children's adventurous spirit has been a driving force in their family's journey.
Challenging Societal Norms
Monet's parenting approach has not been without its critics. She has faced backlash online for the activities she allows her children to participate in, with some questioning her judgment. However, Monet remains steadfast in her belief that fear should not dictate her children's experiences. By encouraging them to confront their fears, she hopes to instill a sense of confidence and resilience that will serve them well in the years to come.
Fostering a Lifelong Love of Adventure
Monet's own transformative experience as a high school student, living with a host family in Botswana, has shaped her perspective on travel and exploration. She and her husband have made it a priority to instill a similar passion for adventure in their children, believing that these experiences will have a lasting impact on their personal growth and worldview.
Balancing Risk and Reward
While Monet acknowledges the inherent risks involved in some of the activities her family engages in, she is meticulous in ensuring that they are undertaken in a safe and responsible manner. By carefully vetting the providers and activities, Monet and James are able to strike a balance between their children's thirst for adventure and their own desire to protect them from harm.
Embracing the Unexpected
The Hambrick family's travels have been marked by a willingness to embrace the unexpected and adapt to changing circumstances. Whether it's dealing with unexpected delays or navigating unfamiliar cultural norms, Monet and her family have learned to approach each new experience with an open mind and a spirit of adventure.
Fostering Family Bonds
Monet's commitment to travel and exploration has not only enriched her children's lives but has also strengthened the bonds within her family. The shared experiences of facing challenges, overcoming fears, and creating lasting memories have forged an unbreakable connection between Monet, James, Jordyn, and Kennedy.