All parents want to control the environment in which our children are growing up. We make them wear helmets and elbow pads, monitor their television and snack consumption, carefully choose their schools and extra-curricular activities, and keep a close eye on their playmates and report cards.

But just how much watchfulness is healthy, and when are we going overboard? It is such a difficult question these days. Can you let the kids play unattended in the cul-de-sac on their bicycles? Is it OK to let Johnny walk to his friend’s house by himself—and if so, at what age? When do you let Suzie spend a night away with a friend, or a week at grandma’s?

My middle child, a strapping boy of 6, spent a blissful month this summer at Camp Hilbert run by the Weinstein JCC in Richmond. He got on the yellow school bus each morning at 8 o’clock sharp and rode to Maidens, Virginia, where he and his fellow campers played, swam and paddled canoes to their hearts content. He loved every minute of it.

Hate to admit it, but I was secretly terrified. Send my baby far away? How will I protect him from possible dangers or mean kids? How will I know what he’s doing, and if he needs something? This, coming from a mom who has never been accused of being a worrier, a mom who will stand in the street to watch for cars, but doesn’t care if the kids wear a helmet while riding bikes.
It’s not that I want total control. I don’t even want to interfere—just give me permission to watch quietly from the sidelines to make sure my baby is safe. I am the mother crocodile, keeping one fierce eye on the little ones while we go about the business of the day, prepared, of course, to snap my powerful jaws at anyone who dare approach with ill intent.
My off-to-camp fears were assuaged by getting information: visiting the camp, getting to know the staff, talking about expectations and finding out how things are done. The camp counselors working with my son were professional and responsive to his needs (and mine!). They handled every detail with aplomb.

For all you crocodile moms, this issue takes a look at a new way to use technology to keep up with what our children are doing at school. Does such a thing fill a need for worried parents, or is it just too much information? (See “Growing Up Online,” page 14.) Also, you can read with sympathy about how hard it is to let the children go away for an extended stay—even with grandma! (See “The Frumpy Zone” on page 8) You may see a bit of yourself in the author’s experience.

Also this month, we are delighted to welcome our new editor, Mary Boyes, to the Richmond Parents Monthly staff. Together, we begin this back-to-school season with enthusiasm for what we do and with excitement over the possibilities for the future.

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