Parenting is a relatively novel term for what humans have done since the dawn of humanity — keep their progeny alive. These days, it comes with a long list of confusing rules that often conflict with each other.
Let kids have independence, experts say. Put them on their bikes, strap on a helmet and send them out into the neighborhood. Or to school. By themselves.
On the other hand, in some places, giving a child the ability to move freely can still land a parent in court, or even on a child abuse and neglect registry.
Is it any wonder today’s parents are anxious? And that their anxiety spreads to their children?
A recent story out of Virginia reported by Reason tells of Karyann Parkinson, a Virginia mother who was convicted in August of contributing to the delinquency of a minor after letting her 5-year-old son walk about half a mile alone in their gated community. After a security guard noticed him, the boy was brought home, police and child protective services showed up, and the system threw the book at Parkinson.