Matthew McConaughey says overprotecting children can take away the 'beauty of ignorance'

Matthew McConaughey says the "beauty of ignorance" helped him get through some tough moments in his youth. John Nacion/Getty Images Matthew McConaughey says protecting kids from every setback can leave them more afraid of risk. He says he believes minor falls can teach children the confidence to get back up. The actor credits some of that mindset to his mom, whom he calls the "queen of denial." Matthew McConaughey , 56, says parents should allow children to take small, manageable risks. On Tuesday's episode of the " Build or Break " podcast, McConaughey talked about the value of letting kids take such low-stakes risks — a lesson shaped by his own experience growing up. "Look, kids aren't afraid of heights until they fall," McConaughey told podcast host Daniel Lubetzky. "Every parent knows this." McConaughey compared it to watching a child climb up a tree.