I don't know quite how this happened, but apparently, I raised my daughter to be a total thrill seeker.
As much as I thought that I was adventurous?
Yeah, not so much.
My daughter puts me to shame.
We went to Universal Orlando's Island's of Adventure last week and she rode practically every ride in the park!
The first thing Angeline and her cousin did when we arrived Saturday morning was run to The Hulk Roller Coaster ride.
Want to know what I did?
I ate a Cinnabon and took photos of baby ducklings.
I may or may not have fed the ducklings a bit of my Cinnabon...
Shhhh, don't tell anyone!
When we went to Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom the following day, my thrill-seeking daughter and her cousin rode Expedition Everest not once...but twice.
I was actually lucky enough to catch them as they came barreling down the mountain!
As I sat and waited for them to come back from one of their rides, I was texting with my friend about Angeline's adventurous spirit. I told her that I didn't understand where she could possibly have gotten this from, seeing as how I am terrified to ride roller coasters.
She reminded me that I am always the first one to try a new dish at a restaurant - even if it looks disgusting and smells foul. She reminded me of that time back in 2006 when I started a social group on Meetup.com because I wanted to make some new friends, and the time we stayed at the hostel in NYC...
I guess I am pretty fearless - just in a different way.
Our kids are watching us, even when we don't think that we are doing anything important. All of those little risks; trying new foods, making new friends, exploring new travel destinations: they show our children that we aren't afraid to try new things.
As we know, children learn by example. They see their parents doing things and they gain the courage to do things themselves. When we make bold, confident decisions, our children learn to be bold and confident.
What kind of example do you want to set for your children?
Tammy says
I liked coasters when I was a teenager, but not now.
Michele says
I can relate. The only ride I liked there was Cat in the Hat
Liz says
I love roller coasters, but I don't like anything that turns in circles and makes ya dizzy. That'll kill me.
Children for SURE learn by what we model. I really tried to be mindful of that through the years.
Jenn says
I miss the days when roller coasters didn't give me a headache. Now that I'm old...*sigh*
Penelope says
Looks seriously fun! Once the boys are older 🙂 ….
Marcie W. says
I'm an adventurous thrill ride lover myself and that's totally rubbed off on my oldest daughter. She just turned 8 and since she's super tall she got to ride a roller coaster out here in Vegas as part of the celebration!
Canadian Mom Blogger says
I love roller coasters! I need to work on being adventurous with food and people, lol.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I can;t ride the crazy rides any more either...
Notorious Spinks says
Awww great post and sincere. I want my kids to live and love apologetically and w/ no regrets!
Tamara says
That's awesome! I'm not the most adventurous person out there but sometime early on in my adult life I made a conscious choice to be open to trying new things. (Mostly food.) I think in having an open mind and being willing to at least give something a chance, even once, you sometimes are surprised and find new likes and loves. Nick and I have both thought it was important to pass that spirit onto our kids. It seems to be working but only time will tell. 😉
April Decheine says
Oh man I have a tummy ache just thinking of this, I am adventurous but not upside down LOL. I bet she had a blast 🙂
Felicia says
I think my youngest will love them, but my oldest is definitely more cautious!
Kelly says
I am totally scared of roller coasters. I went on that one at New York Hotel in Vegas and was scared straight. My little guy seems pretty fearless at 11 months but we'll see what he's like in his teens.
Jennifer says
that's so awesome that you actually caught them coming down the mountain!
Billie says
I hate roller coasters, I was on one with my Dad when I was probably about 12 and it jumped off the track. Haven't been on one since. I encourage Jake to try everything once and form his own opinion.
debra says
I love how fearless kids can be. Sometimes it's anxiety-provoking but ultimately can be very healthy.
MomStart (Ashley) says
Love it! Don't know if I'll love it quite as much when my little guy is doing all that stuff though! 😉
Ruby says
your girl seems to be a very sweet one...my only fave ride is ferris wheel!
Theresa says
Great pictures! Everytime I ride a roller coaster I scream, but enjoy the ride. 😉 Your daughter sounds so much like mine. Mine wants to drag race.... Let's hope that passes before college or I think she might actually do it.