Quote:
Originally Posted by aelle  I find it really important for children to learn autonomy, to interact with peers of their own age without adult involvement, to do things on their own, without parental help or close supervision. |
I think it depends on the kid. I have one child who let me know very clearly that he needed me a lot, from very early on. To force autonomy on him when he didn't want that would have been very damaging. I wonder if my youngest would have been more likely to be "free range" if I had made different choices with him? He was always more willing to do things with his friends, etc., without me. He likes having me around - they both do!, because I don't control or coerce them - but he'd more than likely be the one to vibe with being free range - as long as he knew I was available when he wanted.
Again, it comes down to being connected with your child and honoring who they are. You can be connected and not hover. It's about connecting with your kids and supporting them in remaining whole and centered, whatever that might look like for them.
It sounds like you'd really resonate with
Sudbury Valley School. Are you familiar with them? There are Sudbury-type schools in lots of places.