America Is No Longer Raising a Nation of Risk-Takers
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/10/23/is-america-still-a-nation-of-risk-takers-too-many-parents-say-no/9f0cabfa-7197-11ee-936d-7a16ee667359_story.html
Allison Schrager:
Like many people my age, I look back fondly on my free-range childhood. Now many of my generation have become neurotic helicopter parents — and their children are paying the price.
Over the last 60 years, in nearly every wealthy country (except France), the amount of time parents spend with their kids has steadily increased. And while parental engagement is better than parental neglect, this hyperattention may be harming children.
A recent paper in the Journal of Pediatrics speculates that the increased anxiety and worsening mental health of children is correlated with more time spent with parents and less in unstructured, non-supervised play. Historically, free play and time away from parents was an important part of childhood: It helped children develop independence, learn to handle conflict and disappointment, and feel a sense of control over their environment.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/10/23/is-america-still-a-nation-of-risk-takers-too-many-parents-say-no/9f0cabfa-7197-11ee-936d-7a16ee667359_story.html
Allison Schrager:
Like many people my age, I look back fondly on my free-range childhood. Now many of my generation have become neurotic helicopter parents — and their children are paying the price.
Over the last 60 years, in nearly every wealthy country (except France), the amount of time parents spend with their kids has steadily increased. And while parental engagement is better than parental neglect, this hyperattention may be harming children.
A recent paper in the Journal of Pediatrics speculates that the increased anxiety and worsening mental health of children is correlated with more time spent with parents and less in unstructured, non-supervised play. Historically, free play and time away from parents was an important part of childhood: It helped children develop independence, learn to handle conflict and disappointment, and feel a sense of control over their environment.