to think we ARE all paranoid, but I really cannot help it?

[PSCMUM]

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4419160.stm

check out this article, i agree with every word, but i am too nervous about abduction and not getting into the right school and wasting time not learning or improving themselves to let go. am i being an complete idiot? what does everyone think?

Haven't read the article, but I'm sure I'm immune to whatever it is. As for improving themselves, that's a trick I haven't mastered yet!

I must be the only mother I know who hopes her son doesn't go to university, for instance. I'd rather he got a trade in something useful.

maybe it's because we only have a few compared to years ago, so are naturally more paranoid.

I also worry that I damage them by worrying too much and therefore, not allowing them to blossom

Desiderata - I also worry abbout Uni (DS's 4&6!) How will they cope without me and once they've gone will they ever come back, or end up living hundreds of miles away for ever, where will my grandchildren live? I have to get a grip.

Earlier this week I sent ds2 (8) off in a taxi to the next town on his own. My mum raised her eyebrows at that one, and we had loads of freedom as kids. I can't see that as high risk at all.

At school day a 13 yr-old told me he didn't want a World Book Day voucher, because his family never go into town, and he isn't allowed on his own! (This is not a dangerous area.)

It's ridiculous - children need some freedom.

I don't worry much about mine, though must confess to some major paranoia about schooling, and what are the right decisions/which are the best schools, etc.

Yes, you need to get a grip, pw

Carpe Diem, ladies! The future is not ours to know or mind over.

it should be ours though, men haven't made a very good job out of it

I am paranoid.. i take pills for it

I am paranoid about abduction because I grew up in violent places where stranger abduction - usually resulting in rape and murder - was far from uncommon and in some areas where kidnapping for ransom was common.