Update on Laura Dekker

So how is it that Dutch Youth Care can get it so wrong? The problem is an authoritarian approach to children, especially the silencing of their voices. They assumed that she was too young to know what she wanted and needed. They clearly did not understand her true developmental maturity – one of the things I stress is that chronological maturity and developmental maturity are often out of synch. It is outrageous that these ‘protection’ authorities sought to remove Laura’s agency and to remove her from her parents. It is outrageous that in the name of ‘protecting’ her they are the ones to cause Laura harm.

Here’s what I think will happen. The journey will give Laura a great deal of confidence and like Jessica Watson, she will go on to do brilliantly.

Update on Jessica: Jessica has conquered another challenge. She is now the youngest person to complete the Sydney to Hobart yacht race as skipper of the Ella Bache (with the youngest crew ever), coming 2nd in her division, the Sydney 38 One Design. The above picture is of her celebrating with the traditional champagne shower.

UPDATE (26/1/12): Jessica was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in today’s Australia Day honours. So now she can rightfully call herself Jessica Watson OAM. Congratulations!