DEAR HARRIETTE: My son began doing gymnastics about a year ago. He excelled more than we ever thought he would, but in the midst of doing a backflip, he broke his hand. I was so scared for him to go through this as a 6-year-old. He’s going to have the cast off in a few weeks.

I don’t want to send him back to gymnastics. It’s dangerous! My husband says our son loves it so much, we shouldn’t hold him back. Surely there are other sports that aren’t so dangerous? I think we could sign him up for golf lessons. – No More Danger, Cincinnati

DEAR NO MORE DANGER: I fully understand why you would be concerned about your son’s safety. The reality is that gymnastics can be dangerous, but so can any other sport – including golf. Before you take him out, talk to his doctor about the healing process. Typically, young children heal quickly, so he will probably fully recover. Next, talk to the gymnastics teacher. Ask about the safety measures that are followed so that you can learn what is being done to prevent injury. Learn how to guide your son to be as safe as possible.

Even if later down the road you decide not to have your son continue gymnastics, I do not recommend quitting now, as it sends an unfortunate message. Don’t instill fear. Let him have a chance to be brave and to try the sport again, after injury.

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DEAR HARRIETTE: When my kids were younger, we went on amazing family vacations. Every year, we would go camping for a week in the forest. The memories we made around the campfire were great. Now, my kids are moved out with families of their own, and I want to bring back our tradition. It was always so fun roughing it out in the woods for a week.

When I brought up bringing back camping, my children laughed at me. They told me they would never spend a week in the forest willingly. I just feel like that campsite is so magical, truly some of my best memories are from there. My kids would rather go to a resort or spend their vacation time differently. It’s like no one wants to make me happy. Why can’t they keep the tradition? – Camping Queen, Burlington, Vermont

DEAR CAMPING QUEEN: It sounds like camping was your joy, not necessarily your children’s. You cannot force them to camp with you now, nor should you try to guilt them into it. Instead, you may want to ask them if you can invite the grandchildren to join you on a camping trip – just once. Giving the onetime parameter may make it easier for your children to loosen the reins.

Don’t pressure your children about why they should try to make you happy. That is not their job. You reared them, and now they are supposed to be building their lives. But you may have some pull with the grands if you make the invitation appealing enough. Don’t guilt them. Welcome them warmly!

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.