The dangers of sheltering...

More and more children it seems are being sheltered by their folks now. They can't do this, they can't do that, they can't play here, they can't go there...and although it makes for a softer, less worldly child, in my opinion, it is anecessity to some degree, as the world has become so full of predatory attackers, one cannot help but become inherently distrustful of strangers-and with good reason.
HOWEVER
To deny children the ability to make some choices (small ones) is to teach them to be codependent, trusting and not to think for themselves.
Just to clarify, all I'm talking about here is the way some parents only want their child to see "NICE" things-no swearing, no violence, no news stories, no sports where competition is allowed so that "everybody is a winner", and so on.
I'm sorry but keeping things "nice and happy" at the expense of reality is detrimental to the child.

Do them a favor, sit down when they're old enough for kindergarten or first grade and talk about strangers. Create a code word. And teach them the basics of self defense from the White Collar Warrior Self Protection Skills Home Study Course.

Please do something to make this world a bit more safe. Don't deny your children the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the reality of life, albeit a little bit. They will thank you in the long run.
How do I know this?
My folks tried to shelter me from bad things but started teaching me about things like death and bad people when I was in first grade. Shows like Diffrent Strokes and Family Ties also dealt with such issues, not like the mindless crap on TV now. I'm grateful for growing up when i did and honestly feel a bit sorry for the soft, video-gamer, home schooled, socially stunted youth of today...but that's just one guy's opinion.
Be safe,

Bobby