Tuesday, October 2, 2007

A watchful eye

I consider myself a fairly good parent. I don't feel that I'm too protective and I'm certainly not one to just let my children do whatever they feel like either. But there are some things that I have a hard time knowing where to draw the line at. You know, the line that could land me one the good side or on the bad side of parenting. (all depending on who is judging)

One of the issues I have a hard time with is knowing at what age it is okay to release the reins a little more. This one is particularly aimed at my oldest son who is 10. He has developed such an independence and wants to be like all of the other kids who get to go places and do things. Yet, I struggle to let him go off without parental guidance and back up. Things like going to home ball games with others, staying after school, riding bikes down our road, or taking a jog. I just can't shake the feeling that he is still too young to do these things yet I see kids, even some much younger than he, doing it all of the time. Am I wrong for not allowing him that freedom?

And so I ask you, At what age should a parent allow their child that kind of freedom? And why is it that we can't even allow our children to be children anymore?

This is a battle I've struggled with for a while now and will continue to struggle with it for a long time to come. Especially since just today, a 10 year old child was being followed in broad daylight by some creepy person who made it very clear that he had some not-so-good-intentions. What has happened to our society? Why is it that these monsters feel the need to prey at all, especially on our sweet, innocent children? WHY? I don't care if this person had no intentions of harming this child. The simple fact that they followed the child the way they did(walking faster when the child did, running when the child started running)shows that either one, they were intentionally trying to scare the child or two, they had something horrible in mind. It just sickens me!

I pray with all my heart that this child, especially, as well as this family feel comforted tonight. I can only imagine what fear they felt. I'm so very thankful that someone was looking out for this child.

Hold your little ones tight tonight and keep a watchful eye on those around you.

Becky

4 comments:

Nickie C. said...

I didn't sleep well last night after your call. That scares the crap out of me. Going to have the talk again with the kids about strangers, etc. Makes me sick.

misguidedmommy said...

my kids can walk to school when he is 18 maybe possibly

Kitti said...

Ya know Bec, I wonder the same thing to. Bren is 12 now. Being we live on a very small dead end street and I know almost all of the neighbors he is allowed to ride his bike on our street only. But 99% of the time I am out there watching him and my other 2 along with any other child that is out there. I am the only mom on the street that does this. I just want to be there just in case. If I am not outside I am in the kitchen with the blinds open so I can see! As far as him going places with friends he's never really asked, and I am glad b/c I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet! It is just so darn scary out there.
I guess just use your best judgment which is sometimes hard I know! Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky, I found your blog through Carrie. This is a tough one. As a mother of 3 young ones myself I struggle with loosening the reigns. I am slowly learning that I have to trust my own instincts. Each of my children are different and I'm sure the loosening will be different for each one in different areas. It is our job and desire to keep them safe yet let them grow at the same time. Tough joh we have, huh?

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