Sm or ASM signing off on own child?

[ASM59 10]

SWScouter, you are correct, there must be a balance. See a new thread spun off regarding this for my complete response:

http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewthread.asp?threadID=104316

 

[Jim_C 10]

As a parent of two (adult) Eagle Scout sons, I was either the SM or the SA during their sojourn in the Troop. At that time, I also had developed some wisdom with respect to other's "appearance is reality." I chose not to sign off on my own sons' advancement requirements nor their merit badges (of which I was a registered, qualified counselor). The purpose of merit badges, IMHO, is for the youth to develop the skill AND to meet other adults outside their own small circle of acquaintances. My sons on several occasions have thanked me for taking this approach stating that they developed new interpersonal skills and have become adept at "public situations" involving other people especially new situations. I'm glad to see the results that I can demonstrate here and I'm proud of the fine gentlemen each has become.

 

YIS, Jim Costello, Assistant Council Commissioner (and Council Past President), Great Sauk Trail Council #255, BSA, Ann Arbor, Michigan