What were her parents thinking?

Quicksilver · #8 06-13-2010, 12:39 PM

Actually I did answer the question. But for you let me put it
another way.

If a 16 year old does not realize the dangers that they will face
as a result of their choices then it's my job as a parent to
exercise good judgement in their behalf until they reach the
age that they can make their own decisions.

With every decision one has to count the cost. I already know
the cost of doing something that some people would consider
dangerous. Therefore in this case my job as a parent is to get
my children to reason and consider what the risks are.

We as parents then expect our young ones to make a decision that
underscores their respect and concern for parents and
other family members who would bear the trauma from a bad decision they would make.

In this case none of my kids would consider solo sailing as a
wise decision. They understand the effect it would have on
other family members and would choose not to put the family
thru any undue stress.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

You dodged the question. The question was whether you would let them do something that some people would consider dangerous. You answered that they would calculate the cost, not be able to afford it, or the idea would pass, and so they wouldn't do it anyway. Saved you from making the call. But let's say they wanted to do it, and found a way. Would you support them, or would you exercise your parental authority to stop them? I suspect I know the answer, since your thread title is "What were they thinking?", but it is always worth asking to make sure.

This example ended badly for the boat, not so badly for the young lady. Check the link I gave you on Katie Miller and her ocean racing. Would you have let her sail solo around England and Scotland in a 21' boat? Race solo across the Atlantic in a 30' boat? She has sponsors, and worked hard raising money, so she has the financial means to do it.