A friend just sent me the link below to a blog that was an excellent piece on letting our kids grow up! It was perfect timing because I had just had an experience on Saturday that fits with the article. I had taken all three of my kids to the Library and then to my middle daughter's gymnastics class. When we got to the car my oldest daughter who is 7 realized she left her book in the gymnastics's building (it is in a strip mall that includes several businesses) . I was parked in the first parking spot of a row just down about 100 feet from the place, so I told her to go back and get it while I got her little sisters buckled in. As she was walking back she over heard two people comment on "who would let their little kid walk alone!" It was crazy! We are really damaging our children by not letting them live!
http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/ten-is-the-new-two/
I think we are so afraid for our children's safety since we are bombarded with media coverage about things that can happen. I firmly believe these dangers have always existed but due to media coverage we are more aware of it. I am wrestling with finding balance in letting my older boys be more responsible and independent such as returning a redbox movie alone. I know they can do it and would be fine but I must keep my fear in check.
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