[Crispy's Critter]

I was raised in the 70's and 80's as well, and everything CC said is bang on to how I was raised. I am glad I was raised that way, even though I may have resented my parents sometimes. Overall I think it showed that my parents trusted me to do the right thing, not make stupid decisions, but if I did make some stupid choices I payed the price for them and learned from the mistakes. When you're told to go across an empty field to the willows on the other side to cut the branch (or switch as they used to be called) that's going to beat your butt by the time you get back you've learned your lesson. (for the record even though I cut many switches in my childhood I never actually got spanked with any of them, because usually I was bawling like a baby by the time I got back from just thinking about it. I did get a belt once though, which sucked)

There's nothing wrong with trying to protect your kids, and I get that the world has changed, and even if your own kid knows right from wrong and how to protect his/herself in most instances, the dangers usually come from others who don't. Because of the changes in the world since the 70's, I have mixed feelings on this issue. (and I think this is up for debate too; I'm not sure the world really has changed, I just think we hear about a lot more things now than ever before) I do however think things have gone overboard. With the so-called media sensationalizing every little thing, most parents are overly scared for their children, and unfortunately I think most of their fears are either unfounded, or completely overblown. Not to say there aren't dangers out there for kids, but I think it would be far better in most cases if the kids were taught how to handle things on their own instead of relying on a parent to always be there to deal with things that may arise. The parent isn't going to always be there, so the child will have to make their own choices, rightly or wrongly anyway. Better for them to at least have some self reliance when the time comes.

Another thing that was brought up in passing in this thread is that if you make the choice to parent your kids a certain way there will always be other parents who will look at you like you're a monster. I think this is as much a danger to kids as anything else out there, as there always seems to be a parent or two who think they know what's best for your child, and think they should probably make it their business, even though it clearly is not. Unfortunately if they feel strongly enough about it they can even get authorities involved in things, which only serves to undermine the parents and possibly make it harder for them to teach their kids what they need to know.

(I just want to clarify that these are just my observation/opinions based on what I have seen involving my friends who are parents. I used to be a parent, but haven't been since the 90's so I could be completely out of touch)