I think that we’re talking about the same thing - from a couple of different perspectives....
” The extent of “cotton-wrapping” by parents is entirely a separate issue. My issue is with the nanny-ing of children by the state through regulations, rules and lack of common sense. “
These are not, IMO, ‘separate issues’ — they are both symptoms of the same phenomenon: belief in the modern mythos of absolute feel-good at any cost....
They are separate issues in that the article is not about parenting skills. Each parent sets his or her own boundaries, decides what is right and wrong for their children and will define what priveleges they have - including a cell phone. That is entirely a different matter, and not the point of the article. I could write an article about whether cell phones is a good idea for kids, and we would probably agree on that.
This particular issue is an indictment on decaying values and the loss of will to enforce authority.
The key issue with me is the “lesson” or “value” being taught to the child - namely, no discipline or restraint needed. We’ll just disallow it.
I do sincerely appreciate your perspective very much. You are thoughtful, indeed.