Childhood

In my oppinion, we completely over protect our children.
Growing up as a child, my mom kept an eye on me, but let me figure stuff out for myself, and I really think that is the way to do it.
Sure I broke a few bones in the process but I learned about gravity, and the stability of thin tree branches rather quickly.

It irritates me, when I hear a mom say "Don't do that" or "Be careful" when a child is simply playing... Yeah be cautious but not to the point of it being rediculously over the top. Especially when dealing with a boy... Boy's are supposed to get dirty, and hurt themselves- fall from fences, or play cruel pranks. For example, when my sister had her first boy, when we'd play- she'd always tell me to be careful with him. He's not a priceless glass vase. Like, boys are supposed to wrestle and fight and grow up sort of dirty. At least in my oppinion. Although as a counter arguement, her second boy- we were wrestling and I accidently threw him into a heater- and burnt his side pretty bad. But it was all in good fun. She was not too happy with me, but my brother and I laughed about it- even right when he hit the heater; cause we both knew what it felt like.
My brother stuck his fingers in a vacuum cleaner and had to get stitches on his fingers, while I pulled an iron onto my back and burnt myself real bad. It's just something guys have to do. At least that's what I believe... But I did grow up on a farm- which sort of bred me to be tougher... I think.

When I have kids... I'll make sure they have their fun, but I won't baby them. Boy or girl they are playing sports, and taking some form of karate. I really don't want my kids being defenceless. But I know if I have a girl, I'll be a hell of a lot more protective and will probably keep a closer eye on her than say if I had a boy.
I have this plan... If I have a girl- the first time she goes on a date, when the guy comes to pick her up- I will ask him if he has a condom.
and if he says yes, I'll ask "Why? Do you plan on sleeping with my daughter?" and if he says no. I will reply with "What? You're planning on getting her pregnant? Can you really support her at your age!?" and really make sure he knows what he is in for... Maybe my childhood did mess me up... But either way- I think I'll be a good dad... Just not yet.