Earlier this year, a debate was sparked following the news of two parents in Silver Springs Maryland, US being accused of irresponsible parenting because they let their 10-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter walk to a park a mile away and return home all by themselves. While some people found it to be acceptable parenting, others criticised the parents of exposing the children to too much danger. It was someone like that who called the police and as a result Danielle and Alexander Meitiv are being investigated by the Montgomery County Child Protective Services.
The focus of this week’s debate is on the benefits of ‘free-range’ parenting as opposed to a disciplined environment.
These are the statements to be debated:
• Unless you push children to face their fears that can’t grow.
• Parental fear is stopping children from growing up to be self-reliant.
• Parents don’t accept free range parenting out of fear of being thought of as bad parents.
Participants will be required to clearly state whether they are ‘for’ or ‘against’ the statement and provide their supporting arguments for the same.
The debate will start at 3pm on Monday, May 25.
Participation requirements:
• Participants are required to be older than 18 years.
• First-time participants will be given preference.
• To participate, please send a request to readers@gulfnews.com along with your details
