What “looks good on paper” is synonymous for “what is right before one lets emotion cloud one’s sensibility”. I would never tell anyone else how to raise their kids, so please don’t let it sound like I am. However, I personally think that “childhood”, and “innocence” and all that crap is highly overrated. I’m 26 and I don’t even remember most of my childhood, aside from cool trips or events or whatever. I certainly don’t remember my innocence or blissful ignorance or any of those emotions. Remember, you’re only a kid for a few years, then you’re an adult for the other 70 years of your life.
I would see my role as a parent to make my kids smart, well-mannered, outgoing, sociable, and as informed as possible, while instilling a good work ethic. This is what will set them up for success for their whole lives. Spoil a kid rotten and they’ll turn out rotten. Neglect them and they’ll have poor self esteem. Shelter them from the realities of life and it will do them no good either.
:dunno: