Should it be legal for children to be taught basic skills?

[exploited]

[Saz]

[Southern Dad]

When I was 5-years-old I started school at St Bernard-St Mary School in Akron, Ohio. We lived at 468 Cole Avenue. It took me 45 minutes to walk to or from school. I walked in all weather and I walked by myself. It's probably about a 2 mile walk. There were cross streets to cross, there was even an interstate overpass. I did that until 4th grade when we moved to the farm. I wasn't the only kid traveling those roads, St Bernard-St Mary School didn't have buses. If it was snowing we wore boots. If it was raining, we wore boots and a raincoat. Remember the yellow raincoats?

Today, we've worked to make our children into wimps. I've done it too. My 12-year-old daughter doesn't really go anywhere that I don't drive her. I remember being able to stay out until the street lights came on. Things have changed but mostly it's our mindsets as parents.

[exploited]

[Winchester]

[Saz]

[exploited]

[Professor]

I think that something we all need to think about is the TYPE of media we're talking about. My kids watch the following on TV, iPad, or whatever:
- PBS Kids (WildKrats, mostly, but other educational shows and games)
- Weather Channel (son LOVES it)
- How It's Made (Science Channel)
- random cooking shows (mainly Chopped)

My son plays some video games (1-2 hrs/wk), but only Forza Motorsport 5 on the "big boy" consoles (Xbox and PS) and random, age-appropriate titles on the Wii.

I have absolutely zero problem with them spending their free time watching WildKrats (for instance). The other day, we're driving down the road and spot a raccoon. My son says, "Dad, did you know that raccoons are nocturnal? That means they sleep in the day." Yup - zero problem with their viewing habits.

Now, everyone here do a thought experiment. Compare your kids' habits with yours. See where you end up. I'll go first.

My viewing habits:
- Big Bang Theory
- Top Gear
- Horsepower TV
- occasional road race (LeMans, Trans Am series, etc.)
- play Destiny on PS as often as possible

Who do you think has better habits?

[Saz]

[Southern Dad]