My youngest nephew turned 8 today.

[Brigid]

I have three other nephews, aged 27, 20, and 19, plus two nieces aged 19 and 16. None of them is going to have any clue about what it is like to live without militarized police, heavy surveillance, stable jobs, or a secure future.

[oldandhappy]

1. Understand --

and just want to say enjoy those kids. I have great nephews 5 and 9 and there is nothing better in my life than watching them swim or play in the yard. And, they can never be allowed to be alone. At 9 I was off on my bike all over the small town where we lived. Now parents feel the need to constantly know exactly where each child is. As you said --

[Laffy Kat]

2. You're right and it's so sad.

It's difficult trying to strike a balance between making sure our little ones know how to stay safe and yet not become neurotic adults.