In my experience, being selective about the company my kids keep is one of the most important decisions I make as a parent. I’ve seen too many times how peer pressure and unsupervised environments lead children down risky paths. When I say I don’t want my kids around "everybody kids," I mean I want to protect them from negative influences like disruptive behavior, carrying items like switches, or trying to act older than they are just to impress others. Instead, I focus on keeping my children engaged. They have routines that fill most days of the week—whether it’s sports, music lessons, or other hobbies that teach discipline and foster growth. Free time can often be a double-edged sword; too much of it without guidance can cause kids to seek trouble or fall into bad habits. This is why I’m comfortable that they can’t always hang out with every kid they meet because their schedules leave little room for aimlessness. Supervision and structure don’t mean my kids aren’t having fun—they are learning, practicing new skills, and creating habits that will serve them well later in life. Yes, some might say I’m strict or extra, but I define success as raising children who come home safe, who value responsibility over fitting in at any cost. Ultimately, parenting is about preparing kids to navigate the world confidently and safely, and sometimes that means making unpopular choices. But when I see my kids thriving in healthy environments, it reassures me I’m on the right path.