Dutch teen in battle to sail solo around globe

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090825/ap_on_re_eu/eu_netherlands_young_sailor


The story I picked is about a thirteen year old girl who wants to sail around the world solo. Laura Dekker, thirteen, wants to sail around the world solo, but the Dutch Council for Child Protection wants to put a stop to her trip. Some are trying to say that Laura does not have enough experience, and that she would not be able to handle unexpected problems. Experts also feel that the long and lonely trip would effect her emotional development as well. Laura has been dreaming of sailing around the world solo since she was ten. Even though her parents didn't think much of the idea at first Laura some how convinced them other wise. Laura plans to take two years sailing around the world, waiting out bad weather in different ports.

My first reaction to the story was let her go. If her parents feel that she is able, then it should be there decision. Why shouldn't she be able to live her dream? This is a chance of a life time. Like I said that was my first thought. The more I read into the story, the more I thought, what if my kids wanted to sail around the world? Well that was the end of that thought. There is no way I would let my child go anywhere alone for two years.

Thirteen, two years, around the world! What are these parents nuts!! There are entire ships that go missing out in the ocean every day. "American teen admitted he was tracked by pirates while sailing." What would Laura do if pirates attached her? It does take much imagination to thank what would happen to a thirteen year old girl all alone in the middle of no where. Having a thirteen year old step daughter, I could never allow her to be in a dangerous situation such as that.

Even though I would like to ship my kids to the other side of the world sometimes. I could never really let them be in harms way. I feel that is exactly what Laura's parents are doing. I don't feel that they are wanting any harm to come to Laura. Some times we have to put a hold on there dreams. Laura's time will come, but I think for her own sake this is for the best.