An interesting question that comes up in a fair amount of sci fi, I think, is the notion that protecting someone from harm may not be in their best interests. Asimov brings the question up fairly directly in Liar, undoubtedly one of my favorite stories from I, Robot. You can even see the question outlined, if you’re looking for it, in the movie. It is a major theme in Adulthood Rites.
I think it’s a question that comes up naturally with technological advance. Are we sacrificing personal growth for a comfortable life? And, if so, which is preferable?
I clearly have my own answers to these questions, but I think they are useful for provoking thought.
I’ve found it to absolutely necessary to let my kids get bumped and bruised as they explore the world. We’ve been talking about how it scales up as they get older. I was on active duty with a female lieutenant who’d never had any time alone with guys before graduating from college. She, um, overreacted to the opportunity. So I figure my kids should get “immunizing” doses of danger as they get older and are exposed to more hazards. So extrapolating from that I think we need to keep being challenged at all ages.
I share that belief, and hope to apply it to the rearing of a member or 3 of another generation. Sheltering from everything is not healthy. Exposure to everything is not healthy. Balance and moderation, and a realization that no mistake is the end of the world, that there are a range of “okay” experiences. I myself feel I was a little too sheltered growing up, but doing my best to make up for it now. =)