I agree with a lot of what's been said. I think we see dangers now that weren't really regarded as dangers 50 years ago, and, on the whole, I don't really think that much has changed. Therre is far more media attention these days to things like abduction and abuse by strangers, but I really don't think it's any worse than it has ever been. We have to keep a sense of proportion and remember that the number of times these things actaully happen are very very small.

My really big worry is traffic..that HAS increased considerably since my childhood. You do have to grit your teeth and let them do things you'd really like to protect them from. This is a world they have to live in, and they need to learn how.

If you listen to all the awful stories of things that have happe3ned to other people's kids, you realize that whatever you do to protect them, there is always danger everywhere. The only way to keep from being a quivering bundle of nerves verging on madness is to close ones mind to it and judge on the basis of your own child. I find that if you look at it as dispassionately as possible, you always know when they are ready for the next hurdle.

If you hang on to them when they are trying to find their feet, they will rebel and do things anyway, but secretly. Much better to know exactly where they are and be in a position to apply certain sensible rules.

Richard keeps reminding me that in another 14 months he will be old enough to drive.....that is a scarey one!!

Love Lynne