10 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do (PHOTOS)

The original idea for a whole book about dangerous things you should let your children do was a bit of a fluke. But after spending a weekend watching kids lick a 9-volt battery for the first time (at Maker Faire Bay Area) or reading about families who blog their way through the book (like the Johnsen Clan, featured in this slideshow) it's clear that what kids needs these days is... more danger in their lives!
Of course, I'm not talking about things that are life-threatening or emotionally scarring. However, kids these days are often hardly allowed the time and freedom just to be kids. How did you spend your summer vacation as a kid? Roaming your town with your friends, catching fireflies, sneaking into a movie, swimming in the local quarry, taking the L-train down to watch a Cubs game? And how do your kids spend their summer vacation? One week of soccer, two weeks at summer camp, one week at grandma's, one week of swimming lessons, two weeks at cheerleading camp?
"Fifty Dangerous Things (you should let your children do)" is an invitation to kids and parents alike to spend a little time doing something silly, fun, educational, and yes - potentially a little dangerous.
Take a look at what a few kids have to say about doing some dangerous things...


1. Spend an hour blindfolded

 2. Boil water in a paper cup

 3.Climb a tree

 4.Break the recipe rulebook

 5.Deconstruct an appliance

 6.Dam up a creek

 7.Play with fire

8.Super glue your fingers together

 9.Whittle

 10.Throw a spear