“But childhood prolonged, cannot remain a fairyland. It becomes a hell.” (Louise Bogan)

Our children come to us as the most helpless of all species, and at first, they depend on us completely for support and sustenance. But they grow, and so should their world. The problem comes when we try to protect them and their innocence for as long as possible. While the thought is noble and tempting, it is ultimately harmful to our children. If they are allowed to exist in a prolonged childhood, a fairytale bubble, they do not develop the skills they need to not only exist in, but have influence over the harsh world we populate.