We called it “playing outside.” We spent time with friends, climbed things, caught critters, built stuff, explored, and figured out how to do things on our own.

Did we watch TV? Sure we did. Saturday mornings, especially. After all, we had all those channels to pick from, although only that one neighbor had a color set.

And I read. Lots.

Nothing “noble” or “superior” about this. It’s what was there. God knows if “Halo” had been available back then I would have been on it like white on rice. But I can’t help wondering what kind of adults we’re turning out as far as individual initiative is concerned.

It’s a shame. I could go on about the freedoms I had as a child, some of it bordering on abuse, but it would do no good.

Too bad. There’s no reason an 8 year-old couldn’t fly on an airplane by themselves. Absolutely none, the kid could develop some self-confidence.

Now THAT threatens some adults.

She was so excited about going…until we rounded the corner and started driving through the woods.

I think Jordyn has issues from that experience. I know I do.

I had a couple of occasions where I had to “push a kid out of the nest” a bit, encouraging them into adventures they were getting cold feet on. They did fine. When they were gone, I was a mess.

Though the first time I put her on a plane (and would be separated from her for 9 months) I completely broke down at the airport. I kept it together long enough to get her seated (they let me on the plane to do that). Though there was a man sitting in her seat. He “thought it was unoccupied” so he was giving himself an upgrade. I was so emotional already that I only barely kept myself from assaulting him. It was a bad day.

I have a PhD. in worry so I really am not a good compass for these kind of things.

My daughter called up crying. The Daddy did it without conferring with the mommy.
But between me and you I am sure she would have been okay.

That is what I kept telling myself until my daughter asked me if I would have done it when she was little.