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I quickly told the story about how Izzy, the 9-year-old, had been begging me to let him try to find his way home on his own from someplace, anyplace, by subway.
I know that may sound a little scary, but it’s not. Here in New York, fam-ilies are on the subway all the time. It’s extremely, even statistically, safe. Whatever subterranean terror you see Will Smith battling in the movies goes home when the filming stops—probably to New Jersey. Our city’s murder rate is back to where it was in 1963. And, by the way, it’s probably down wherever you live, too.
That’s why letting Izzy find his way home alone seemed like a fine idea. Not dangerous. Not crazy. Not even very hard. My husband and I talked about it and agreed that our boy was ready. So on that sunny Sunday when I took him to that big, bright store, I said those words we don’t say much anymore.
“Bye-bye! Have fun!”
I didn’t leave him defenseless, of course. I gave him a subway map, a transit card, $20 in case of emergencies, and some quarters to make a call. But, no, I did not give him a cell phone. Because although I very much trusted him to get himself home, I was a lot less sure he’d get the phone there.
And remember: He had quarters.
Anyway, it all turned out fine. One subway ride, one bus ride, and one hour or so later, my son was back home, proud as a peacock (who happens to take public transportation).
[Continue at THE WEEK]
I had talked about this when this first hit the wires years ago. And personally I didn’t think too much of it, and I sort of understood where she came from. I know from people telling me that I baby my son. And at the same time I think a lot of what I suggest he does, gets thrown out because “its too dangerous.”
Says who.
I walked almosta mile each day to school by myself, now-a-days a few blocks would have you getting weird looks. I used to stay out late after school each day, and my mom didn’t freak. A few minutes late and I know my wife is wondering where we are… worried. I seriously don’t think the world has quite gotten as bad as its been made out. I think its just publisized more. Given the knowledge to take care of themselves, I think a kid can handle themselves just as well now as a decade, generation, century ago.
And yes I’m saying this as I’m told I baby my son, and I have anotehr child on the way.
Tags: children, Interesting, News, Psychology, soapbox, Society
