THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH – I hear many well respected parenting experts exhorting parents to allow their kids to make more decisions for themselves–thinking that any mistakes they make will simply be lessons learned. We certainly want our kids to make good decisions for themselves; and, learn from their mistakes. But, there’s a point when prudence must prevail; because, some of the liberties being suggested have potential consequences where the stakes are too high.
For instance, regardless of how well I think I’ve raised my teen, allowing him to attend a party, knowing there is under age drinking going on, is at the very least, sending him the wrong message. And allowing my daughter to go on an unchaperoned date, in this toxic culture, is just plain insane. I’ll risk being labeled an over-protective father before I’ll risk being a bereaved father or an unexpected grandfather. But, I won’t risk my child’s future! There are some lessons better learned after leaving home.