I'm having a lot of trouble with this area right now. Son is four, and about to start PreK. I believe it's my responsibility to know what's going on in his (and his baby brother's) life. If I'm putting him in someone's care, be it one afternoon or the majority of his daylight hours, I need to know what's happening. I realize that sound overprotective to some, but in reality, Husband and I are responsible for him more than anyone else on the planet. I'm babbling, and not directing this a bit towards you, but I think many parents are too relaxed in letting "just anybody" raise their kids. Not okay with me. Obviously I lack trust. There are wonderful, trustworthy teachers and babysitters out there -- but misjudging that anonymous people are looking out for my kids is an invitation to malevolence. Today was Son's first day ever at school!  (A week-long run before the actual Fall semester in August.) I'm feeling pretty strung-up. Because it's an 8:00 - 1:00 day, I didn't think there would be a lunch hour. I was mistaken, and went to get him lunch. When I returned, the administrator was reluctant to let me in the building! I am a mama. I need to access to my kid -- it that far-fetched? Part of this comes from childhood traumas I experienced, that wouldn't have had opportunity if my parents had been more cautious.

Anyway, Ack! I do agree that you should, with age-appropriate discretion, walk children through the difficult things in life. As parents, we can guide them through these processes. Neglecting to do so is potentially setting them up to being wham-sided later on their own. Thanks for the vent!