Hi Readers! Love this note from a middle-schooler!
Dear Free-Range Kids: I am a 13-year-old and I really think that kids need more freedom. I regularly ride my bike to the library and friends’ houses, but for going longer distances and using public transportation my parents would like me to have a friend with me. However we haven’t been able to find many friends whose parents are willing to let them have this freedom. Recently I wanted to take public transportation a few stops but my parents were afraid that some “concerned stranger” would call the police.
Parents really need to stop sheltering their children and prepare them for the outside world. I’m not saying that parents should just push kids out the door one day and expect them to find their own way across town with no street smarts, but to to teach and encourage them to be independent. Walk with younger kids to school, farther and farther behind until they’re ready to walk on there own.
P.S. This is just my opinion.
P.S. It’s mine, too! — L.
Filed under: Bikes and cycling, Helicopter Effect on Kids, Infantilizing young folk, Uncategorized | Tagged: independence, middle school | 57 Comments »