(no subject)

[senoritafish]

Wow. As someone who works in science, for whom being in the outdoors was formative in choosing what I wanted to do with my life (in 5th grade, ironically enough), I was really hoping this was a bit of satire. Apparently not (although it does seem to be in the Offbeat OC blog). Girls are often discouraged enough from participating in math and science activities, without being barred from something that might make it, oh I dunno, fun? Thankfully most responders to her poll think she's "out to lunch."

What did helicopter parents do before cell phones were so widely available? My 4th and 5th graders certainly don't have them.

One of the comments irks me as well - although I might think twice about anyone I don't know having keys to my kid's room on an overnight field trip, it pretty much assumes any male chaperone is going to be a molester. Anytime runsamuck used to take the kids to the park, he would get those looks. It's gotten somewhat better since the kids started school, and more of the local parents know him, but boy, any male with long hair and beard (or for that matter, any male during broad daylight at the park) must be some psycho serial killer/kidnapper, never mind that his own kids are right there playing.

Comments

[rosehiptea.livejournal.com]

In fifth and sixth grade we used to have a treat once a year and all walk over (with teachers as chaperones of course) to Pizza Hut for lunch.

My friend's mother refused to let her go. According to my friend it was because "anything could happen and it would be easy for someone to grab her." She didn't really seem to mind, to be honest, but I think that's because her mom scared her into thinking it was actually dangerous.

Anyway, I totally agree with you; this sounds like a great opportunity and it's a shame this lady's kid is missing out.

[senoritafish.livejournal.com]

I did go to summer camp when maybe a couple of years older, but I did not speak to my parents for three whole weeks (and I didn't really want to, anyway). I had to write letters.

We actually had riflery classes. I'm sure this mom would have died.

[melwil.livejournal.com]

It's so sad that she's putting all those fears into her child. We have a Year 7 camp at our school, and one of the things I liked best was that they were able to take risks in a safe environment. They got bumped and bruised. They were able to walk around in independent groups at a theme park. The kids grew so much during that time, and it sounds like the science camp would encourage similar safe risk taking.

[senoritafish.livejournal.com]

I was just flabbergasted. Getting bumped and bruised is part of growing up. How do you learn anything otherwise?