Letting kids wander unsupervised

[refaller]

The number of women and children who are abused is staggering. Regardless, that does not make the choices of vigilante groups appropriate. We should be civilized and use the court system as it is.

I live in an urban community with lot's a Meghan's law members (check out zip 19401) and still let my kids walk to school. My children are aware of safety issues, there are crossing guards every other block and I (unlike most people who seek anonymity in cities) am well known in the community. Everyone watches out for my kids because they know and respect me. After all, isn't that what a community should be. The biggest problem is the way most people cower in their homes afraid of everything and give the perverts the ability to control the streets. If I see a kid being picked on, threatened, etc., I say something. Been in sticky situations, but always came out ahead and feel strongly that I cannot allow the bad guys to win.

When I was a kid, that was how my community was. I could go anywhere because someone within a block or 2 knew me or my parents. I was stalked one night way back in the 80's and I simply stopped at a house and the dad walked me the rest of the way. Only saw the stalker one more time that night and never again.

ref

 

[salesrep]

Unfortunately today’s generation of children will be much more socially removed from one another than days gone by. Those of us that grew up scurrying about developed a lot of relationships with a wide variety of age groups. While much more difficult in today’s society today’s parents must encourage independence, choice, and some liberties. God willing and politics withstanding someday these children WILL be adults and have their own choices, independence and liberty. Innocent, obviously, and to be protected, for sure, kids, yes, but an individual as well.

Having been a youth educator and coach for over 30 years and a parent of 3, I come across a LOT of Parents that make SOO many decisions for their children. The world has created enough structure as it is.

If we have not allowed them to grow, make their own mistakes and learn via their own choices and most importantly be allowed to think for themselves we are handicapping them for adulthood.

 

[uc50ic4more]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Burning Hummers,


No need to burn 'em when there's the Hummer salute.

 

[Max_Wander]

As a youth when I got [censored] off at home, I'd take off on my bike for upwards of 12 hours at a time, roaming, wandering. Max_wandering, even. On a few occasions I rode through various cities, all through downtown Toronto, areas I've never been at the time even getting lost. Once I did that the day beofre the first day of school. When I get back home at 4am, I couldnt walk my legs were so sore from excessive use and I missed the first day of school. Back then, I never even thought twice about it, I was young, uncorrupted, on a bike and felt totally free. NOW, probably 15 years later, havent been on my bike in equally as long a time, I feel intimidated, worried, overly cautious and I can thank propaganda and sensationalism for that.