First, I don’t have children. Second, I despise self-righteous people telling other people how to raise their children. Third, I’ve never climbed in the Himalayas (someday I’ll get there).

So… I am completely unqualified to comment on this and you can feel free to ignore me if you like.

But I gotta say, 13 seems awfully young to attempt climbing Everest.

Via HuffPo:

A 13-year-old California boy plans to try to climb Mount Everest in a quest to reach the summits of the highest peaks on all seven continents. If Jordan Romero succeeds, he’ll become the youngest person to conquer the world’s highest mountain.

I mean, he’s three years away from driving a car, 5 years away from being able to vote, and 8 years from legally having a beer. Plus there are just too many objective dangers associated with high altitude climbing – dangers better faced by an adult who knows the weight of his/her decisions. Plus, who knows what effects extreme altitude have on a growing body and brain?

Then again, I imagine if I were the father of a 13 year-old whose greatest wish was to climb the tallest peak on the planet, I’d have a hard time saying no. Regardless, god-speed young man!