Image: Flickr/Thomas Hawk

I can’t decide if I think this video is cruel or funny. It’s probably a little bit of both. Some dad captured his kid’s terrified and then gleeful ride on a coaster. Sure, this kid will probably be in therapy years from now talking about how he fears vulnerability because 15 million people saw him cry like a little girl, but other than that, I think it’s great.

Roller Coasters provide such a great metaphor for life. The thrill of adventure comes with a price – usually sheer terror. But without that fear, without those leaps into the unknown, there is no payoff.

It’s hard to remember how scary life can be for kids – there are so many of these hills that they haven’t experienced yet. While we can sit in relative comfort knowing that usually things turn out alright, they just aren’t as sure. Walking alongside them as they experience the thrills and terrors of life can be just as exciting for us – it gives us a chance to experience that adventure again. And be sure to video precious moments like this so that bloggers all across the world can draw pithy wisdom from your kid’s efforts at not-puking.