@BillRM,
I think you and Hawkeye are quite a bit the Dinosaurs on the subject of children, the world has moved on.
You are both hanging onto antiquated notions of how children should be raised.
I think the truth is you don't like anyone disagreeing with you, and you will bully them through any weakness you can find, which in Gracies' case, is her age.
She's smarter than you Bill, more socially aware, and will be light years beyond your understanding by the time she's 25.
If you wish to stunt your own children's growth, that's your business, but you are not the arbiter of what a parents job is or isn't.
You are not the king of the world and have no business telling anyone else what is or isn't good for them, you should be worrying about what's good for you.