Some interesting articles that I've uncovered in the last week or so. Although they're American-biased, this could apply to any 'Westernised' families around the world. Firstly regarding over-parenting, and secondly on a similar tack, over-scheduling of children's time. Both very interesting and thought provoking articles.
I look back to my childhood of unstructured free time, summers spent out in the back woods of Canada roaming free (along with bears, porcupines and yellow-jackets) from age 6. We were made to learn to swim, then given the freedom of a canoe and a lake and a bell rung at dinner time. I was very lucky, and as much as I would like to give my children the same sort of freedom, I wonder if I would be allowed, without being hauled up by social services for neglect??
Posted by jen at March 22, 2005 10:34 PMdoes this mean when its 5 years old i can leave it on the beach to look after my spare kites and just keep an eye on it whilst pulling a jump?
:)
Posted by: david at March 23, 2005 07:56 PMwhat are you like! (dad!). probably not, but may be ok at 6... ;)
Posted by: jen at March 23, 2005 07:58 PM