I was sorry to see this thread turn into disagreements on parenting. Families all over the world, throughout time, have had challenges they never wanted or expected. Sometimes, we have to get creative to rise to those challenges. We even have to challenge our own children to navigate the world with self-confidence all the while evaluating the impact on them so as not to set them up for failure. It is apparent the author was doing just that, and the adventure was a successful one. I would love to read this book and follow along as little sister overcomes her fears and becomes competant in her surroundings. Even more, I wish I could have been there.