Free Range Kids on the Peoria.com Forums - Page 2

yep.

Then you should probably keep them at home as long as humanly possible so they don't fall prey to the likes of those that don't properly educate, along with those that do and their children choosing to not listen anyway.

I completely disagree with this blogger...go ahead and search your neighborhood for sex offenders, and that should be reassurance enough.

I'll quit hovering over my children as soon as they are old enough, smart enough, and strong enough to have a fighting chance of escaping some perverted sexual predator. Until then, they will not escape my sight.

That was my first thought but I don't think there are any more sexual predators now then there were when we were little. Most children who are molested are molested by someone they know, not a stranger.

I know wiki isn't the most reliable source but I don't have time to look for a better one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_sexual_abuse

Let's just say, I'm not going to play the odds...

As I've recently learned, all you can do is do your best, but a teenager will still be a teenager.

100% agree

I agree with Leslie, I don't think there are any more sexual predators today than there were in the past, we are just more cognizant of it.

If your child has been taught to be more independent, then perhaps they are less likely to be duped into doing something that is uncomfortable to them by a perverted adult. I think free ranging your child could prevent abuse.

I disagree with putting dating restrictions on a daughter and not a son. I would have definitely resented that

Small kids and young kids- watch over them all the time- it is your job to keep them safe.

Teenagers- give them advice- watch over them but do not let them know it- it is thier job to keep themselves safe and out of trouble.

LivinLife24,

Emotion aside; which I believe today's children unduly emphasize far too much on emotion.. Life is full of things we don't like. That is life. I assure you my comment wasn't made hastly, and I've acutally given it a lot of thought. I respect your posistion; although I am curious if you've ever given it any serious consideration?

I've weighed, consequences for defying rules, maturity levels, my own personal life experiences.. the way girls dress these days, the influences from TV; the pressure from society to act a certain way. All these vary greatly affect the sexes in very different and complex ways.

I'm open to debate on this topic and "free" range ideas.. although to dismiss an idea out of prejudice benefits no one.

I'm just stating my own opinion. And how do you know an imaginary childs maturity level at 16? I just don't believe you should have different rules for different children. Yes life is unfair. That doen't mean I have generate resentment and favoritism amongst my children. A 15 year old boy can experiment as much as a 15 year old girl, so what makes it okay for the boy to do that?

You are the parent, you can decide how much freedom your child is ready for. Kids are ready at different times. that is the job of parenting.

He is making this statement before even knowing who is ready and who isn't.

What are you talking about??