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There was a story awhile ago about a NYC mom letting her 9 year old son take the subway home after school one day. He had his pass, quarters if he needed to call home and an adventurous attitude. He rode home safely but once word got out, people were in an uproar! You would have figured that he was locked in a closet without food for all the calls of neglect. He rode the subway for something like 25 blocks. She watched him get on the subway and was at home when he got home.
We are seeing now that being very overprotective isn't totally beneficial. It isn't just making sure that the child isn't taken. It is doctors seeing the lowest levels of vitamin D in kids because parents keep them inside or coat them with sunscreen (note: sunscreen is important but some sun is okay). Viruses are becoming resistant to antibiotics because the drugs are overused. Kids can be afraid to fail because they haven't had a chance to do so.
Children need boundaries but they don't need cages. Simple as that. They need to know that their parents are there for them, to love them, support them, help them when needed but not to crush every danger.
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"Mommy, the presidents are squishing me!"
"Using the pull out method of contraceptive is like saying I won't use a seat belt, I'll just jump out of the car before it hits that tree."
Sara
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