your heart is in your mouth and that is normal

I guess that means if you see your child doing something stupid you freak...

I find it is true that most kids don't get out and play the way we use to. But child molesters, gangs and kidnappers didn't get all the press like they do today either.

your heart is in your mouth and that is normal

I guess that means if you see your child doing something stupid you freak...

Is that expression not used in the U.S.?

I agree the sensationalist media has a lot to answer for.

When I was a kid there were often rumours about local "flashers" being on the prowl - it didn't seem to stop my mum from allowing us to disappear on our bikes for the day from the age of about 8 or 9. We didn't have mobiles then either.

(for "mobiles" read "cellphones" - I think - You've got me worried that I won't be understood over there now )

(for "mobiles" read "cellphones" - I think - You've got me worried that I won't be understood over there now )

Hey John,
I understood everything you said...no problema, si?

I totally agree and as I'll be a parent soon I won't be wrapping my child in cotton wool - this view may change when he/she is born though

Yeah DD, it's easier said than done. Important to try though. All through my son's childhood, adolescence and young adulthood we had to continue letting him take risks. From first steps to first nightclub to first motorbike - not easy.

Si lady (may I call you lady, or do you prefer Mary?)

Oh, congratulations DD. It's great - no, really!

Oh I do so agree with this, watch them from a discreet distance if worried but kids should be able to grow with freedom.

Practicality, imagination, fun, fantasy were all taught to our kids with this approach, and they turn it round and see reasons why they have to be supervised. It is so bad now that the press rounds on parents when a situation could have been avoided if mum and dad had been hanging out of a tree watching. The real "holier than thou" crap. Not easy for parents. And there is so much more to entertain in a house than we had, didn't need it.