>>2520477>the tendency towards safety mommyism might actually do more harm than goodI 100% agree with you. Some freedom, and that includes the freedom to fuck up, is needed for kids to become adults. But some risk is also unneeded. Getting hurt playing in the woods and either fixing it with friends together or going back home injured is formative, hitting the rusted WW2 artillery shell with a stone to see what's inside may have ended badly.
I still remember the very first time I went somewhere alone:
I was very young and my parents allowed me to get bread from the bakery alone on a sunday. It involved walking down 3 streets, crossing a small intersection, going into the store, ordering, paying and going back. I couldn't do math yet, so I had no idea how much I had paid or gotten back, but I remember how proud I was when I got back home. Years later I found out I never was alone - my father had followed me with a camera to see if I would cross the intersection carefully, avoid any traffic and be alright on my own. Once he knew I was fine, he knew I could be trusted to leave the house alone from there on.
I think the way they did it was best: First a pilot run, where they kept me safe but I could feel like I was alone. Then once that went well, they let me do my thing. That way they could trust I was fine on my own and I could be free of parental control.
Your main goal is avoiding the shit that can result in death or severe injury, for the rest, it's better if they find out themselves.
We had plenty a injury from homemade fireworks, fighting with sticks, etc. Kids learn surprisingly quickly to take care of each other.
Either way, don't stress about it too much anon, you sound like a great parent. Listen to your inner fears, then rationalize how probable they are. If they are unlikely, allow your kids freedom. If it's reasonable, air on the side of caution. You got this.
