[I still care]

I have a theory that one of the reasons American kids are so behind in science is that we have “regulated” our kids out of it.

When I was growing up you were free to experiment. I rode my bike everywhere, made lethal concoctions with my chemistry set, blew up fireworks, played games that people were “shot”, hung from jungle gyms, “cooked” in my easybake oven, etc.

None of those things are accepted nowadays. I went to the toy store yesterday. Almost every toy was a bland “collectable”. Nothing to really stimulate the imagination. Everything was “non toxic” and blunt.

Granted, something doesn’t have to be poisonous to be fun, but it’s really amazing kids’ imagination has been corralled and put in a box.

[Bronzy]

My husband says, “No more Rock Sockem Robots”. Grrr.

[luvie]

Another good reason for home-schooling your kids! That way
they end up with some imagination and ingenuity!

[luckystarmom]

There are still creative toys:

cardboard boxes

peanut butter sandwiches that have been eaten to look like
guns

forts made out of blankets

Kids always find ways to be kids!!

[Bronzy]

Great movie about an American boy and his experiment:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Sky

He would have been blocked in today’s world.

[houeto]

When I was growing up you were free to experiment. I rode my bike everywhere, made lethal concoctions with my chemistry set, blew up fireworks, played games that people were “shot”, hung from jungle gyms, “cooked” in my easybake oven, etc.

...and don't forget this:

[CAluvdubya]

I completely agree with you!

I'll even add to your list of "can't do's"......

- Red Rover is a dangerous game
- Dodge Ball is a dangerous game
- Tag is a dangerous game
- Absolutely NO pointing your index finger in a manner simulating a gun and playing "cops and robbers".