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What is astounding to behold is... the over protection, amateur psychology and political correctness of many educators, according to Doctor William C. Douglas of Real Health News, is actually destroying the self-esteem of children their actions claim to be protecting. "I'm also wondering", he says, "Do these same teachers blame their own failings in life on the emotional scars of having been beaned with a red rubber all during third grade recess?"

The doctor also tells his readers, "Look, nobody said it was fair, but it's a harsh reality of life that we learn many of the most important lessons the hard way. And some of them come at the hands of enemies in the schoolyard and that's also where we learn to function as part of a team, how to fit into a group or how to develop self-reliance when we don't fit in. No teacher in the world can teach children these lessons.... but, they can prevent our kids from learning them until it's too late."

The organization Focus on the Family is very concerned about the growing trend of overprotection being displayed throughout America's school systems. They warn that the desire to carefully guard our children is often extended to schools when compulsive parents demand more "protection" for their children.

The end result is often very questionable restrictions and regulations. "The intense desire to help can actually interfere with a child's growth and development. Certain risks must be tolerated if a child is to progress. He will never learn to walk if he is not allowed to fall in the process", says the family group.

There is a growing body of evidence that indicates there has been a drastic decline in children's unsupervised outside play. Media reports of injury, death, child abduction and pedophilia fill publications, radio and television, creating paranoia about children's vulnerability. This anxiety on the part of some parents and many educators is a prevailing thought, even though the reality is children have never been safer at any time in our history.

The world of children has never been well understood by adults. Though adult-child relationships are essential for development and education, they can never provide children with the practical or personal experiences they need for growth and maturity.

So, what can be done? Most importantly we need to reject the "group think" that says our children are more vulnerable because of today's complex world. Above all, everyone must understand...and must make sure those who educate our children are also aware of one very important truth...personal expression of ideas along with activities, personal accomplishments and achievements are the tools which allow everyone grow and rise even beyond their childhood expectations. Parents must also demand that the attacks by Mindnumbed Educators on these objectives cease.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.

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