<p>I was raised by an underprotective mother. I think it worked out very well for me. I was never forced to do any sports/activities I didn’t want to do (Theatre is a passion I found by myself without the use of a crazy stage mom). My mother worked and I only had a babysitter until I was 7, and afterwards I was what they call a ‘latchkey’ kid (although I didn’t stay locked in my house by any means) I spent a lot of time reading for myself and getting to know kids in my neighborhood (although I lived on a busy street in Cleveland, so by ‘neighborhood’ I mean my side of the road), reading articles, and just exploring. It made me very intelligent and curious at a young age. I was probably the only elementary school student who willingly walked down to the library a couple times a week or watched the news with interest. </p>
<p>When I started driving, it was no big deal if I went on a short trip by myself when I still had my permit, and it was nothing at all for me to stay out past 9 before I had the ‘full’ license, I think I’m a better driver because I got a lot more driving time than if someone had to go everywhere with their parents. My overall activities were basically unregulated as long as I did okay in school and didn’t do anything too illegal, so I did a lot of volunteering and met a lot of different types of people. I don’t think any of these overprotective parents would allow their child to go to Kentucky with a bunch of almost-strangers to build a house for a homeless family, or go on regular multi-day backpacking trips with just 2 or 3 other people, or fly to Jamaica with just a few friends, but those are some of the things I did. </p>
<p>For college applications, my mother’s involvement has been limited to going on some of the visits with me and filling out the financial aid forms. I think it’s great, I’ve found a college I love and don’t really have to second-guess myself about. I have the emotional ability to be away from home (I’ve done it for long periods before). I know kids whose parents are very, very overprotective like some described here, and I feel kind of sorry for them. Maybe if my mother had harped on me about everything I’d have better grades, but I certainly wouldn’t have my repertoire of activities, experiences, and awesome people I’ve met.</p>