Jul 1st, 2002
Minneapolis Star Tribune, Community Expert Panelist
Minneapolis Star Tribune, Community Expert Panelist in the “Family & Relationships” section.
Question: “How should parents encourage their children to take healthy risks without endangering themselves?”
My answer:
While it is important for parents to keep their young children out of harm’s way, as children grow up, it becomes increasingly important that parents pass on necessary skills so that children can make their own decisions. A parent is rarely around when a child needs to weigh risks and consequences, such as situations involving drug use, sex, and peer pressure. Parents should be open about choices and risks — as well as what their own expectations are — so that their children learn to make safe, informed decisions.
Abigail Garner is a writer, lecturer, and creator of www.familieslikemine.com, a website for children of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender parents.