Casting out our kids in oceans of the world

“Because I Said So” column in The Commercial Appeal

June 24, 2010

Abby Sunderland, a 16-year-old from California, recently ended her attempt to circumnavigate the globe when a wave broke the mast of her sailboat. Successful completion would have matched the record, which once belonged to Abby’s brother Zac, currently held by 16-year-old Australian Jessica Watson.

There was endless debate before Abby Sunderland left, and since her rescue in the Indian Ocean, over whether she should have been allowed to attempt such a feat at all.

In May, 13-year-old Jordan Romero of Big Bear, Calif., became the youngest person to scale Mt. Everest, part of a growing trend of younger and younger adventure seekers. When he reached the peak, Romero used his cell phone to call his mother.

Kristy and I were surprised to learn this past week that our 12-year-old had signed on to Facebook. Calvin has weighed anchor and set his sails for a vast cyber-sea where unknown dangers lurk, prompting his mother and me to hold conferences and debates over how to best handle his foray into a new chapter of passive socializing. And it seems like only yesterday he got his first cell phone.

The computer in the home office is now a reason for worry for parents of my generation … (read more)