I aspire to be like Lenore Skenazy, but I anticipate this being the hardest lesson I will learn as a parent:
http://www.nysun.com/editorials/why-i-let-my-9-year-old-ride-subway-alone
Filed under: day-to-day | Tagged: subway independence childrearing NYC
i loved this story. independence is a priceless gift that allows children to learn that they can survive on their own. and i am sad that this woman was criticized as much as she was. she obviously did her homework and made sure she was not putting her son in any sort of danger. now he is learning that if anything ever happens to her, he will find his way. he is not helpless. and one day he will be very grateful to her for having confidence in him and his ability to get by in the world without her.
also, the more she teaches him these lessons, the easier it will be to know he will make it home. i’m sure the first times are petrifying. but he will teach her that he is capable as much as she is telling him that she believes he is capable. and then it will be easier.
this of course coming from someone who has no kids. now i’m probably going to get yelled at by a bunch of mothers… *sigh*
You won’t be yelled at by me. You’re awesome, Lee:-)