That's a real good point, though, BBdad. The kids need opportunities to practice things like learning to speak up for themselves. The tough thing about these decisions I think is trying to figure out whether the situation involved is an age appropriate and realistic situation for the child to do so.
By the way Kriston describes this one, it seems as if the parent has made a decision prior that DS is too young. Some people can asess when they've made a wrong pre-assumption and change tack quickly. Some can't. I didn't get the impression that this woman was particularly self-aware in this aspect. Now this might be a great learning experience for say, a 13, 14 or 15 year old who has a little more social experience, for a variety of reasons. But 6,7,8,9,10? I'm not so sure. Perhaps it could have turned into an exceptionally positive and productive learning experience. Given the facts at hand though, I tend to think the risk outweighs the reward.
((shrug))
