Columnist’s writings miss the point

I have skimmed enough of Lenore Skenazy's writings to get it: We are all overprotective, paranoid helicopter parents. She is especially annoyed with those of us who hold our toddler's hand while crossing the street, make them wear bike helmets, hire a baby sitter for anyone over the age of 5 and/or ask them to chew their steak before swallowing. Nothing is going to happen to our children no matter what, and if it does, that's just the way life goes.

Interestingly, I actually agree that many parents over-supervise their children, but the important words there are “their children.” When I'm perched atop my judgmental bench, I tend to notice when a child is being figuratively “smothered” by a parent, but I am actually more worried about the ones who are literally being smothered (or otherwise not cared for).

Could we please fill Skenazy's space with something either enlightening or entertaining?

Gina Moffett

Marion