I don't think it's parenting so much as it's fear. This whole thread demonstrates that there is a LOT of fear in our society. People talking about minimizing risks, predators, and all that. GEEZ.... the risk is low that I'll die in a carwreck... but maybe I should stay home tomorrow to minimize the risk. Keep my wife and kids at home. We'll just board ourselves up in the house and be safe. Probably turn off the electricity because that can start fires.
I'm not sure hauling our kids all over creation in the back of a SUV while they watch DVD's of spongebobsquarepants or something is really effective parenting. Maybe it is...
Who advised you to purchase an SUV with a DVD player? That must have been some hot car salesman with a great deal. SUVs can be expensive. Does it at least get good gas mileage?
Did the car salesman also advise you to buy the Sponge Bob DVD or did it come as an extra with the car DVD player?
Did the car salesman convince you that you would become an effective parent upon the purchase of the SUV or was it someone else in your community?
SUVs are very nice, they're roomy, but I do not think that they are mandatory.
DVD players in a moving vehicle sound distracting. Do you keep the sound down low when your children play the Sponge Bob DVD or do you sing along?