Posted by Elizabeth on August 25, 2009 at 15:28:33 user Elizabeth.
In Reply to: The boundaries of parental responsibility posted by Jock on August 25, 2009 at 07:59:28:
Well, the parents certainly know their own child better than any court ever can, but as a parent of four very capable children ages 17-24, I personally wouldn't let a child that young take on the decision-making that journey would entail. Recent brain studies have shown that the part of the brain that is responsible for making good decisions doesn't fully develop until in the early 20's. Also, anecdotally, I have watched each of my children as they have made huge leaps in depth and breadth of understanding at age 16 or so and again at age 21 or so.
That said, every time I have "let go" of my children, even while very worried they might not end up "okay", I have been pleasantly surprised at their capabilities to manage themselves somehow or other! And I actually "let go" a lot more than many of the parents I know.