4 ms·
I am a parent of 2 teenage boys (16 and 18) and this is similar to the philosophy under which they were raised. Contrary to what people are saying in the posts
by redleggedfrog 10y ago
I am a parent of 2 teenage boys (16 and 18) and this is similar to the philosophy under which they were raised. Contrary to what people are saying in the posts, it is not difficult to raise your children this way, nor more dangerous. The worst injuries either boy has sustained have all been at organized activities. The benefits, and I can't overemphasize this, outweigh whatever the hazards.
The problem isn't the kids of course, but parents, who are extremely overprotective of their children. I blame our media, which focuses on the violence and dangers in our society to make money while ignoring we're living in literally the safest time in history. They've scared the parents into thinking the world is too dangerous for their children.
It's the kids who suffer. They don't get the learn autonomy, or how to use their imagination, or how to set their own boundaries. And most of all, how to productively manage boredom. I see how they're doing that these days - they've got their noses in phones.
- _mhr_ 10y agoFor me at least, I know that if I didn't have my nose in my phone, I would have my nose in a book instead. Either way, I manage boredom through reading.
- scaryspooky 10y agoAs an anecdote, in 2006 I was in grad school and helped a friend with her summer camp for nerdy teens. I still remember the brother and sister (16ish years old) who were deathly afraid to be outside at dusk during the summer because of the West Nile Virus, which at that point was a concern but nothing DEET couldn't prevent. They'd read about it in the newpaper, I think. I don't think it's the parents who are solely at fault for the safety paranoia.