They asked, "Should a child be allowed to sail alone for thousands of miles?" What if she dies out there; alone, afraid. Who would be responsible?" and so forth. The same questions arose when 13 year old Jordan Romero summited Mt. Everest last month. He was too young, too innocent, etc.
You see, there is a myth, perpetuated constantly by nearly everyone that children and teenagers are too young to die. That it is unfair if something tragic happens. That these kids have too much life left to live. It is human nature to protect our young. Similar to nearly every species on the earth, we nurture, teach and guide. When a young one dies, we all grieve. It's a natural process for all species.
However, somewhere along the way, we have embraced the thought that our children should not die early in their lives. That it is actually unfair if they do. This misguided thinking only serves to spread fear and lay blame at the feet of parents, governments, etc. In the argument against young adventurers going out and challenging the world, there is one element that is missing...Personal Responsibility.
These young men and women are ready and eager to test their skills and experience in ways that would make most adults cringe. Yet, they strive and excel at doing what they love the most, and they are called irresponsible. Their parents are tagged as unfit for allowing their children to go on such dangerous adventures; and any government officials who grant permits for certain activities are labeled as careless or remiss in their judgment.
When I was a teenager, I grew to be expertly proficient at cross country hiking. No trails, no compass. A topographical map and an acute sense of direction were my only guides. Though I would almost always go hiking with a partner, I would occasionally go it alone and end up exactly where I wanted, at exactly when I said I would arrive. My parents had absolutely no qualms about my doing this because they were supremely confident in my ability to take care of myself. So it is with the parents of these young adventurers.
Does that make them bad parents? Of course not! Are these experienced, knowledgeable kids being reckless for undertaking such risks? Absolutely not!
They understand the risks involved (as do their parents), and take every conceivable precaution in anticipation of potential life-threatening circumstances. But they choose to go, fully prepared, to face the challenges and adventures that lie ahead of them, fully aware that should something go wrong, they may not survive.
Personal responsibility is the issue here, folks--NOT irresponsible behavior or bad parenting. These kids are choosing to place themselves in harm's way for a payoff that most cannot comprehend...the achievement of goals so unattainable that few, of any age, ever attempt the undertaking.
I applaud these young men and women for their vision, courage, and their willingness to push the proverbial envelope a little further. I congratulate their parents for encouraging their children to follow their passions, and pursue their dreams. To me, those men and women are amongst the greatest parents in the world!
*It turns out Abby Sunderland is alive and well. Her boat had lost its rigging and she was drifting. Rescue boats have arrived, and she is receiving assistance.
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