News Editorials Blogs ARTS+ Features Mobile Site Mailing List

Recent Editorials

The Glory of Vietnam

The Iran Appeasement

The Ron Paul Warning

The Church Goes To Court

Al-Megrahi in Hell

As Centenary of Federal Reserve Approaches, Promises on Gold Echo From an Earlier Congress

Reader comment on:
Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone

Submitted by elizabeth petkau, Jan 10, 2011 09:30

I am watching an ABC program on children and the mental development of children and how we need to let them play freely. I am living in the outback of Western Australia. some of the things I watched on this program of how kids have to be "tracked" by their parents or not even allowed to play in the park. We live on a 23 thousand acre farm and our hearest neighbor is five minutes. I have four kids and they all the farm like the back of their hand. they play on the rocks, in the bush (where snakes live!) and they walk around our town when we are in town. Like you I believe in letting your children go. I read in a Raising your children Buddhist, the author said "let your children go and play", "they will be fine, and stop feeling guilty for how you have raised them" "stop giving them TOO much attention because you feel guilty for working". I thought it was very appropriate in this day in age.

So I congratulate you for how you are raising your son. I myself wouldn't do what you did but also I don't live in the city.But on the other hand my children play with reptiles and our favorite pet is a sheep.

Well done.

Liz

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.

Other reader comments on this article

Comment By Date

I used to walk across London by myself as a nine year old, from the East End to Hyde Park... [MORE]

Anne Wilby

Jan 12, 2011 08:20

I am watching an ABC program on children and the mental development of children and how we need to let...

elizabeth petkau

Jan 10, 2011 09:30

I heard your response to the question that was thrown at you - and you answered really well.. I applaud you... [MORE]

Bec Tardent

Oct 4, 2010 08:14

Children are born fearless. "It is better to be in Danger, than to live in Fear." unknown author. Being afraid... [MORE]

Lori Latimer

Sep 20, 2010 19:44

Thank you very much!! I am glad that other parents still have some common sense these days. In my town... [MORE]

MaryEllen Mehler

Sep 21, 2008 09:43

A little scary, yes. What you mention about parents anxieties and fears goes along with how we're a country built... [MORE]

Sheila Devereaux

Aug 29, 2008 18:56

Excellent. Many of those who talk of fear make their living from it. I was riding the train when I... [MORE]

Richard L Walker

Aug 29, 2008 00:19

I only wish my parents had done the same for me when I was a kid. I don't think I... [MORE]

Michelle in SF

Aug 27, 2008 16:01

John Stewart recently gave a speech at some sort of big convention for news media. One of the things he... [MORE]

Thomas

Aug 27, 2008 13:38

WOW! Bravo! My mom even now wont let me take metro through DC...and I'm 17. You are one of the... [MORE]

Ernesto Lopez

Aug 27, 2008 08:33

I just want to congratulate you! You not only allowed your son to have an adventure, you showed trust in... [MORE]

stephanie

Aug 26, 2008 11:45

I am currently a 50-year-old, Manhattanite native (Puerto Rican) that took the train by myself as young as 9 and... [MORE]

Sam Sanchez

Aug 9, 2008 07:19

Way to go. As someone who grew up in New York City (Queens) I was taking buses around the borough... [MORE]

Ben P.

May 16, 2008 14:08

Bravo to him and brava to you! [MORE]

tom

May 5, 2008 21:18

Comment on Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone

Name
Email Address
Title of Comments
Comments:

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. The New York Sun reserves the right to reject anything found to be objectionable.

Would You Like to Become a Sustaining Subscriber of the Sun? Sign up now

* Inquire about the Sun Seminars

Sustaining Subscriber Login

Follow The New York Sun

Facebook    Twitter    RSS    Join Mailing List

Buy China Wholesale Products on DHgate.com

For Vegas Show tickets, shop ShowTickets.com

Made-in-China.com

Planning an Orlando Vacation? Visit Best of Orlando!

© 2002-2012 TWO SL LLC, New York, NY. All rights reserved.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.