The school in which I teach was recently embroiled in a very public rape case. These kids all did the “I’m staying at a friends house” thing. Before everybody chimes in about thier kids, these students are all (with exception to one) in our scholars’ program, have iPhones, were given cars at 16, and are from “good” families. Their parents own small businesses, are doctors and lawyers, and drive nice SUVs. These students are the cream of the crop, they volunteer 100+ hours per school year, compete in Mock Trial, and are on the executive board of the KEY Club. They get wonderful scholarships and are accepted into the best schools. Some parents buy alcohol because they want their kids to be popular, and your kids know who those parents are. They keep the secret very well. All the students know what’s going on and are well organized with keeping it from parents and teachers. Children’s sleepovers don’t worry me so much, but what they lead to later on scares me. As it turns out, these students have been drinking since middle school. It’s happening everywhere, even in your own kids’ peer groups.
I know what you’re saying. The world can be a dangerous place, and tragedies happen. But we don’t help our kids deal with the world by raising them in a bubble.
I have a 14-year-old daughter, and I understand the concerns. But I don’t think raising her as a hot house flower is the answer.
Sounds like these kids had everything.....except perhaps a connection with their parents that develops with time spent and attention paid.