When Childhood is So Safe it Backfires
Peanut allergy advice and a culture of safeytism is harming our kids, experts say
Children used to be feral little creatures. My parents’ generation were left to roam, to walk or bike long distances, and to play outside all day— without adult supervision. Dietary advice consisted of; come home when your mother says and eat what’s on the plate.
Fostering independence and resilience in children has not always been optional, it used to be a minimum requirement. 21st Century childhood has changed, and perhaps it’s strayed too far in the process. Today, for much of the developed world, a molly-coddled childhood is standard.
Childhood resilience (or lack thereof) comes in many forms. A dietary example of this was highlighted in a recent study on peanut allergies and the advice parents have been given on the issue. And later in the article I explain further why resilience should be a basic trait — not a superfluous option.
The peanut allergy problem
As one example, peanut allergies have boomed in Western countries. In the US, since pregnant women were advised to stay away from peanuts, there is a 1 in 50 chance that a newborn will eventually be affected by a peanut allergy. In India, where peanuts are a primary…
