Regarding risk and climbing, I recently watched the video Committed, Volume II, which has a segment on the Whittaker family, who live in England. Katy and Pete, both young teens when the video was made, were cutting their teeth on the nervy, often dangerous gritstone routes in England. It's fascinating watching their parents belay them on their leads of these dangerous routes, and listening to their attitude toward being parents in these situations. Trailer for the video is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEoRyho-Kto&feature=playe...

As to the comments about the dangers on Everest--most routes are non-technical, but heading up any mountain is a gamble, given weather and snow conditions.