A Patient called this Bill Gates' talk to a high school graduating class to my attention.
Interesting Rules, perhaps a little harshly stated, but not without merit.
But I wanted to learn more about whether Mr. Gates actually gave such a talk to a high school graduating class, so I found this:
https://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/schoolrules.asp
Although incorrectly attributed, still good words of advice I think, doun't you?
Next I found this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq-gba5nMrc showing Mr. Gates delivering words of wisdom.
As a pediatrian, the challenge is to find ways to help parents grow their children into mature independent successful adults who find happiness and meaning in life. Isn't that what we all want?!
Allowing our young children to make simple choices and experience occasional failure from wrong choices and postive consequences from right choices might be a good beginning.
A caveat: I do believe in a safety net as kids make choices in life. Running into the street without looking both ways is not a choice option!
Texting while driving is not an allowable choice option; neither is drinking and driving.
There is much for our youth to learn and there is much to teach. Every family will have its own path to tackle this challenge.
What works for you?
Dr. T