I usually write about this in the context of sports and some work indirectly.  It is also found in other areas such a warplane design – specifically the F-16 and A-10, both heavily influenced by the thinking of John Boyd.

The F-16 was designed to be light, quick, and maneuverable.  In direct contrast to the F15 which was more influenced by the faster, bigger, higher school of thought, the F-16 was the alternative respons by e.  A key component of the design was the sacrifice of stability for maneuverability – the aircraft has instability built in.  And it is legendary, quickness useful in dogfights.

The A-10 is a slow, tough, inelegant looking aircraft.  But incredibly effective and efficient.  Used primarily to attack ground targets, its heavy armor and powerful guns it is respected and feared.  It survived many attempts to retire it.  Another interesting fact about the A-10 is that it is also used as a controller for operations due to its speed or lack thereof.  Being slow in comparison to other aircraft allows it to spot targets and other locations of interest.  Another benefit of slow.

In the context of parenting, stability is a lot like wealth – a U-curve.  Too little or too much is detrimental.  Stability can be constraint to growth.  Some randomness isn’t the worst – per the F-16.  I gave my daughter a soccer ball larger than those for her age, it made her a great dribbler.  Learning to see isn’t just about celerity but taking your time, patience – per the A-10.