When I Picked My 8th Grade Daughter Up from a Coed Party, I Was in for a Shock.
Briefly

In a recent advice column from Care and Feeding, a parent shares concerns about unsupervised parties for middle schoolers. While the daughter attended an initial party without adult supervision, the parent expresses alarm over the trend of allowing children to socialize unsupervised. Other parents, although uncomfortable, feel pressured to let their children participate in social events. This raises questions about parenting methods in modern contexts, as this parent struggles between setting boundaries and preparing their daughter for future independence while mitigating risks associated with teenage activities.
When it comes to parenting in this new era, balancing children’s independence and safety is crucial, as unsupervised parties present real risks.
Parents expressed discomfort about unsupervised parties yet felt pressured not to let their children miss out socially, leading to difficult decisions.
Establishing boundaries like 'no parties without adults' might work temporarily, but parents must prepare kids for future independence.
The challenges of new parenting dynamics require conversations about navigating peer pressure versus the need for safety.
Read at Slate Magazine
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