Other People's Children
Posted 02-10-2008 at 17:55 by Laz
Have you ever noticed that children behave differently when they are away from their own parents? And usually for the better.
I have been a soccer coach and a parent volunteer for the school drama productions, both for several years. These activities allow me to work with lots of kids aged 10-15. I know that there are problem children out there, and I haven't really had to deal with them yet, but most kids have been polite and attentive, and have focussed on the tasks at hand. Plus, I make sure we have fun.
Eventually, the parents come to pick up their kids, and some will say "I hope Johnny wasn't too difficult today." I'll reassure them that Johnny was fine, and then wonder what happens at home, and how much of any bad behavior is driven by the family dynamic. But their parenting can't have been too bad, as Johnny is well behaved around me.
Back before there was a USA, "fostering" was a common practice. And of course, back when debts could be inherited, running away from home at a young age was a good idea.
Today, parents seem to be very reluctant to let their children go out and explore the big bad world. I wonder if this is a good thing.
Of course, in my case, I wish my kids would stay home a little more..
I have been a soccer coach and a parent volunteer for the school drama productions, both for several years. These activities allow me to work with lots of kids aged 10-15. I know that there are problem children out there, and I haven't really had to deal with them yet, but most kids have been polite and attentive, and have focussed on the tasks at hand. Plus, I make sure we have fun.
Eventually, the parents come to pick up their kids, and some will say "I hope Johnny wasn't too difficult today." I'll reassure them that Johnny was fine, and then wonder what happens at home, and how much of any bad behavior is driven by the family dynamic. But their parenting can't have been too bad, as Johnny is well behaved around me.
Back before there was a USA, "fostering" was a common practice. And of course, back when debts could be inherited, running away from home at a young age was a good idea.
Today, parents seem to be very reluctant to let their children go out and explore the big bad world. I wonder if this is a good thing.
Of course, in my case, I wish my kids would stay home a little more..
Total Comments 1
Comments
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I expect that peeps can still foster children nowadays if they want to, and if they pass certain guidelines. Like they aren't paedophiles etc.
Letting kids go out and explore on their own probably depends on where they live. Rural to Urban migration is common and will obviously freak parents out with the comparative dangers in relation to their own childhood.
I would allow theoretical offspring relative freedom around where I live, but would be less likely to do so in a concentrated area of population, with foreigners, homosexuals and rapists being statistically more likely in dense areas.
I kid of course, but all jokes are based on a sliver of truth. Kids need to be protected and if you can orchestrate any kind of local safe zone without them being aware of it, I am sure they will turn out to be more inquisitive, more confident and better able to judge any potential dangers they may encounter.
It's a balance.Posted 08-11-2008 at 06:32 by teflon
