| As a mom to two girls I am well aware of each and | | | | I really once again want to stress I do understand |
| every danger that is out there. However, I also | | | | the dangers out there. I just also know that if we |
| strongly believe that if you have a tendency to be | | | | don't let out children make choices and realize the |
| overprotective you are actually doing your children a | | | | consequences of those choices, they never learn the |
| grave disservice. | | | | skills. |
| Part of growing up and part of becoming | | | | What about going out with friends? Can your child |
| independent does involve making mistakes and does | | | | go out on a school night? It's ok to say no up to a |
| involve dealing with the consequences of those | | | | point. At what age do you let them learn that going |
| mistakes. | | | | out on a school night and not getting enough sleep |
| I've seen moms say that they won't let their | | | | will result in poor concentration and poor performance |
| children ride a public bus. I believe at age 13 they | | | | the following day? |
| should be allowed to figure out to take the bus and | | | | I can remember getting a phone call from another |
| if need be, take the bus with an adult their first time. | | | | mom when my daughter was about 6. My daughter |
| For those saying, "Oh but that's too young," when do | | | | had done something to upset her child. While I agree |
| you think they might be ready to take this step? | | | | 100% that my daughter was wrong, I also believe |
| I've seen moms who really have strong influence | | | | that the other child would have done much better to |
| over who their children choose to be friends with. | | | | have her mom coach her on how to problem solve |
| The moms really manipulate the situation so their child | | | | instead of her mother calling me. The only time I got |
| can not play with the other child. While you as an | | | | involved was when a boy tried to light my daughter's |
| adult may see something your child does not yet | | | | hair on fire. This was a situation that required adult |
| see, how will your child learn to see and recognize | | | | intervention. If we don't allow our children to work on |
| these things if you continue to make friend choices | | | | relationship problems at age 6, how will they prepare |
| for him/her? If your child is 8 and you're making | | | | for adulthood and all of their future relationships? |
| these choices, at what age do you believe your child | | | | As I've stated, I have two kids of my own. I know |
| can make their own friend choices? As a teen there | | | | how much there is to worry about. I also know that |
| are a lot more things to consider and look for when | | | | I want both of my kids to develop the skills and |
| choosing friends. If your child has not developed this | | | | confidence to become independent, self sufficient |
| skill earlier, they're bound to make some poor choices | | | | adults. |
| as a teen. | | | | |