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Fearing The Bogeyman: How The Legal System's Overreaction To Perceived Danger Threatens Families And Children, David Pimentel
Fearing The Bogeyman: How The Legal System's Overreaction To Perceived Danger Threatens Families And Children, David Pimentel
David Pimentel
In the last generation, American parenting norms have shifted dramatically, reflecting a near obsession with child safety and especially the risk of stranger abduction. A growing body of literature shows, however, that the threats to children are more imagined than real, and that the effort to protect children from these “bogeymen” may be doing more harm than good. Advocates of “Free-Range” parenting argue that giving children a long leash can help them learn responsibility, explore the world outside, get physical exercise, and develop self-sufficiency. But the State, usually acting through Child Protective Services (CPS), is likely to second-guess parents’ judgments …
The Widening Maturity Gap: Trying Juveniles As Adults In An Era Of Extended Adolescence, David Pimentel
The Widening Maturity Gap: Trying Juveniles As Adults In An Era Of Extended Adolescence, David Pimentel
David Pimentel
Cultural shifts and evolving parenting norms have dramatically changed society’s perception and expectations of adolescence and young adulthood. Intensive, highly-protective parenting is now the norm, with parents playing a larger role in late-teens’ and young adults’ lives than ever before. Even the young adults do not perceive themselves to be fully grown-up yet, and do not expect to be fully responsible for themselves, until well into their mid-twenties. Consistent with this, neuroscientists are finding that the relevant brain development is not complete before the age of twenty-five, so it may be unreasonable to expect a late teen to behave like …