When to Trust Children
Anyway, for weeks my boy had been begging for me to please leave him somewhere, anywhere, and let him try to figure out how to get home on his own. So on that sunny Sunday I gave him a subway map, a MetroCard, a $20 bill, and several quarters, just in case he had to make a call.
(Link)
The article is actually a really interesting story that brings up some very legit topics. When should parents allow their children to go to the next step and do something on their own? It has to happen at some point. Parents simply cannot follow their children everywhere. Is nine years old too young to allow your child to take a subway ride across town alone? Well, that is something that the parents have to decide. Every child is very different. Some are able to show independence at an early age, and some cannot.
It is probably best to start small, and allow your kid to do something small. By letting them do a little more each time, you will prepare them for bigger events.
In all cases, as long as you help prepare them for the journey, they will be well suited. The more scenarios you can talk to them about — the better prepared they will be.
Next, the issue of kidnapping comes up. It is public transportation, and there are tons of people around. I am sure that someone is going to notice a child kicking and screaming while being kidnapped. If you haven’t read the article yet, I highly suggest doing so.
Try to leave your opinions aside until after you read the article, as the author has a lot of very valid viewpoints.
Justin
Tags: children, public transportation, subway, trust
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