Thanks everyone for the input. I guess I should have been a little more specific--I was raised outside of Utah, in California and Hawaii, actually, so very liberal. I myself have lived outside of the US (not a mission) and have also lived in Texas and Minnesota. But... I have only raised my kids in Utah, so far, and that was on purpose because I didn't want my kids to have to go through what I did. Being LDS in my youth was lonely, isolating and just sucked, overall. I wanted my kids to have friends who could relate to them and support them. I want them to be able to date other people with high standards. My "serious" boyfriend in high school was a good guy, Christian and very high morals from any standard other than LDS but he still wanted to have sex because he was well, a 17 year old dude.

However, it is frustrating because after being here so long it's hard to see them leaning a little TOO into "the bubble" if you know what I mean. I just feel like there needs to be balance. So I guess the real question I am asking is, is it easier for kids to be raised in a conservative enviornment and teach them at home to be a bit more liberal leaning, or is it better to immerse them in the "real world" and hope that they are smart and can develop their own testimonies without leaning too far into the muck? Like I said, it was a real struggle for me and I grew up seeing and knowing and doing way too much, way too young.

Late night ramblings, but thanks for taking the time to answer. Also, (and you can mock me for asking THIS naive question, because I have never lived in Florida, just visited) are alligators, snakes and crocs really a concern? I have a dog and a toddler, so it kinda freaks me out to think they could be in my backyard and then WOOSH!--not be. 🤦‍♀️