I don't think a U.S. Navy Captain with thirty

years of experience on the seas should attempt

a crossing of the Pacific Ocean in a sailboat,

let alone a teenage girl!

8-)

  Good point! 

tyrius. stated:

Guess I'm insane then, but my daughter is only 3 so maybe she doesn't count yet.

She absolutely counts.  If you are like me you will find as your kids grow older the decisions they make have even bigger consequences than when they were 3 and you will worry even more because, to you, they will still be your babies.  My daughters are 21 and 24 and I worry about them more now than I ever did. 

It would be very, very difficult for me to allow my children to do this but it is not because I don't want them to chase their dreams.  It is because I would be so worried about them it would make me physically ill.   I would hope if one of my children had the skills to do it I would allow them to chase that dream but it would be very difficult, emotionally, to do it. 

Guys I recognize there is hypocrisy in my position on this. I was carrying a gun in the woods long before I was 16. I was also driving, operating farm equipment, riding dirt bikes, swimming alone in the lake after dark (probably less than an hour after eating :) and doing many other dangerous activities. As a society we allow kids to take part in all sorts activities that are inherently dangerous. I'm not suggesting we lock up our kids in their bedrooms till they turn 18 to protect them from all danger. I think I could make a case for this for daughters, but not today

For most teenagers driving a car is their most dangerous endeavor. While most states allow kids to do it at 16+/-, there are many who would raise the legal age to 18. While I don't know if this is the right thing or not, there is a case to be made IMO. This quote by Ted Gregory of the Chicago Tribune goes to the heart of this discussion: Fifteen- and 16-year-olds have the logical reasoning of an adult, experts say. But their young minds' social and emotional development remains relatively immature and voraciously seeks sensual arousal, novelty and risk.

When we allow kids to drive or take part in contact sports, motor racing, skate boarding, hunting, fishing-the list goes on-we accept that there are risks involved. We make a decision that our kids are physically and emotionally prepared to participate, and then we protect them as best we can. The question is: Should there be limits on what we allow children to do? I think we all agree the answer is yes. Agreeing on where the line is, is much more problematic.

In most states, aren't parents responsible for the care and protection of their under age 18 children?  I just wonder about the legality of the dads actions (or omission to act).

If she was as capable as that chick is, and wanted nothing more in life, I would be all for it.

I would not, however, fund the adventure ;D

People take risks all the time, and more power to them. Her brother made the same journey the year before. Maybe her sailing skills were above and beyond that of many. Maybe the pirate thing is overrated.

I just think with the way the world is today, that may have not been the best option. Maybe it's my mentality. I don't have to prove anything to anyone. I can live with myself.

I have a stepdaughter who is turning 21 tomorrow. I met her mother when she was 6. Her mother is very over protective. I encourage her to go out and live life while she can, but to be smart about it. Believe me I get alot of heat from her mother. A kids got to live. I know I did. Just don't be stupid.

It would be very, very difficult for me to allow my children to do this but it is not because I don't want them to chase their dreams. It is because I would be so worried about them it would make me physically ill. I would hope if one of my children had the skills to do it I would allow them to chase that dream but it would be very difficult, emotionally, to do it.

Agreed 100%.

The ocean is no place for anyone to be alone in, regardless of gender or age.

I would.

And I think that it's none of our business to tell a father that he can't allow his daughter try to accomplish her dreams. If nothing bad would have happened and she successfully completed her trip, everyone would be congratulating her like they did that kid who climbed Everest.

Why would everyone be congratulating her?  Its not like she would have been setting a record or anything.

Why would everyone be congratulating her? Its not like she would have been setting a record or anything.

Are you kidding me?  Becoming the youngest person (a 16 year old girl!) to circumnavigate the world alone is an amazing feat.

She wouldn't have been the youngest.  See Jessica Watson.  16 and already done it.

She wouldn't have been the youngest. See Jessica Watson. 16 and already done it.

She would have been the youngest.

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/24/sports/la-sp-abby-sunderland24-2010jan24

Even if she was 18...I'd still congratulate her.

I don't agree with her parents letting her try this, but I can still congratulate her.

Congratulations!  You might have failed at reaching your goal, but hey, at least you survived!  (I would have  probably capsized the boat before it got out of seeing distance of the dock, and drowned).

No way! I have a 15 yr old, and if I could have my way, she wouldn't cross the street by herself nowadays. Seriously, I give her room to grow, but I'm always watching whether she knows it or not.