Parents in Portland, Oregon just got word that our kids ages 10-14 can no longer go to community pools unless accompanied by someone who’s 18 or older.

You’d think with all the talk about intensive/helicopter parenting these days that most parents would be applauding the new rules.

You’d be very wrong. The general response has been outrage.

Last summer, my 10yo son spent HOURS with his friends at the pool while I worked. It cost us $3.25, and it was hours he spent socializing IRL away from screens. Now I and countless other parents either have to take time off work to chaperone them or locate/coordinate with another adult who’s willing to take them.

Sure, some intensive parents exist, but the vast majority of what we label as “intensive parenting” is merely a response to inane policies like these that REQUIRE us to manage our kids’ lives.

Stay tuned for more on this in next week’s story!