As a senior who survived and thrived through a 1950ties childhood, I offer these observations regarding today’s parenting trends.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, family members need to listen to our children. The responsible adults among us might begin to recognize and respond to some of the following requests.

Just give me a little space to think freely (please don’t tell me what to think), to breathe, to grow, to risk, to hurt myself or to be hurt by others and to be wrong.

Don’t give me participation trophies; I know they are meaningless. Spare me the ‘play dates’ with people I don’t really enjoy; I can, should and will select my own playmates.

Please be aware that my spending too much time on my tablet does not equate to my demonstrating that I am a computer genius. Give me access to the public library and the varied collection there. I have a need to read.

Provide yourself with some free and unscheduled time away from me. We both need some time and space.

As to my health, I do need some select vaccinations. Please don’t declare me gluten intolerant unless you have had me tested. Don’t impose dietary restrictions on me that match those you have placed upon yourself. Be sure I get some daily outdoor exercise.

Do these things for me so that I might grow into an adult who lives fearlessly. I can handle it.

Egg producers advertise being “cage free” results in the best eggs. Cage free living does the same for children as they grow. Who says so? This Grandad says so.