Saying ‘no’ to all activities

leads to inactive children

This is in response to the editorial Tuesday. I am mostly what you would call a free range parent — let kids explore the world. I take notice when accidents happen like the last two (involving ATVs) just to see what the reactions are going to be.

Statistics I found show on average 3,536 people die every year from drowning. We don’t ban children from pools, we say teach them to swim. Instead of saying no kids should ride ATVs, we should say if you care, you can volunteer to teach a class on safe riding.

People say children should get out from in front of the TV/video game/phone. Then they say no riding bikes on streets, the only flat pavement most kids have access to.

No playing “Pokemon Go” without parental supervision. No riding ATVs — I know they look like fun, but they are just too dangerous. No exploring the woods, your neighborhood, mall, park or anywhere else.

No wonder children play video games all day. Adults say no to everything else.

Bert Cox Jr.

St. Joseph