I grew up in Washington DC, and I remember at the age of 10 being that excited to ride the metro to the museums by myself. My father worked downtown, and it was a simple trip on the metro, and then walk/bus to his office building. Maybe my parents figured I was a coherent kid, not prone to anything but minor craziness. Or my mom was tired and wanted some her-time. I don't really care either way. I was just glad to have some independence and freedom in what was the most beautiful capital city in the world at that time (late 70's). Would I send my heirs out at that age today? It depends on which kid you were talking about at 9/10 yrs old.

Just like every parent is not the same, every kid is not the same and I'm almost positive there are some 9-10 yr olds for whom this task would be completely unsuitable.

I also consider kids were basically low(er) cost home grown labor prior to the industrial revolution when people lived in smaller towns and in farming communities. Their lives are significantly different now, but each has its own level of danger inherent. If I lived in an area with poisonous snakes and scorpions I would be more worried about that frankly than human predators.

Do I keep an eye out for would be pervs when we are all riding bikes in the neighborhood park and get separated from line of sight? Yep. Do they have cell phones strapped to them 24x7? Nope. Do I try to think about what they are wearing every day the last time I see them? Yes, I actually do remember to do that on occasion when it occurs to me I might get run over by a dump truck on the way home or a tornado might hit the house in the middle of the night.

If one of our children comes up with the cure for cancer or figures out how to create world peace I will gladly shake their hands. Until then, they should all learn to use the inside voice and have a good time during the summer while school is out. ;)

Oh, and to wear sunscreen.


posted by 71.56.117...

• Abusive mother or simply teaching a lesson?, Wasabi, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:07:39
  • pavlov's test/classical conditioning/graduated exposure, painterrguy, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:30:57 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Would anyone call this child abuse though?, Wasabi, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:56:12
  • Having grown up in NYC as a kid, Mike NY, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:47:53
  • as a new parent..., WASSAAB, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:59:40
    • As you will find out, it also depends on the kid., Noel, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:21:41
      • Re: As you will find out, it also depends on the kid., WASSAAB, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:05:01
        • Re: Judgment calls by parents, Noel, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:53:30
    • following that logic only 18 y/o can be allowed free., SJohnB, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:45:41
  • More like life skills practice, Noel, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:19:32
  • What really makes someone a "child expert???", Steve in Chicago, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:43:15
  • My wife and I were discussing a very similar thing ...., MI-Roger , Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:49:37
    • Agreed., SJohnB, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:52:10
  • First trip to store when I was 3 (+), vvk, Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:21:10
    • Yes, back in the day....late 1950's, Mike Lynch , Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:39:44
      • Sounds familiar...., Noel, Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:24:33

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