I am throwing major side eye at anyone who actually read a story about those free range parents, is at all familiar with the area, and still thinks they are justified.
The road they showed on the news coverage? The fuck no for a 5/6 year old. Narrow sidewalk, double yellow line, nope. Also, it's against the law. Spare me the "I am so chill and laid back" bullshit, the law is the law. Maybe we should all just be that chill about car seats then too.
Also, a mile is fucking far. I think people have no clue how far a mile really is.
And finally, I feel like they are just assholes. Maybe it's time to get off the talk show circuit and actually go to the damn park with your kids.
There are a million arguments against helicopter parenting, or what that really even means (I don't think taking a 6 year old to a park a mile away is hovering, but whatever), but these two douches shouldn't be the poster people.
I a throwing major side eye at anyone who actually read a story about those free range parents, is at all familiar with the area, and still thinks they are justified.
The road they showed on the news coverage? The fuck no for a 5/6 year old. Narrow sidewalk, double yellow line, nope. Also, it's against the law. Spare me the "I am so chill and laid back" bullshit, the law is the law. Maybe we should all just be that chill about car seats then too.
Also, a mile is fucking far. I think people have no clue how far a mile really is.
And finally, I feel like they are just assholes. Maybe it's time to get off the talk show circuit and actually go to the damn park with your kids.
There are a million arguments against helicopter parenting, or what that really even means (I don't think taking a 6 year old to a park a mile away is hovering, but whatever), but these two douches shouldn't be the poster people.
The more that comes out abut them & the secondary incidents - I am more inclined to agree. That said, initially at face value w/ the first story, I did think it was over the top.
It was only against the law b/c of the 6 year old, right? I wonder what would have happened if it was just a 10 year old or if it was a 10 & 8 year old.
Like I said the other day - in general we know the world is a safer place. But we do hover more. We do allow less independence & less freedom. I don't like that that is the new norm. I don't like that I am worried about things I statistically don't need to be worried about. I don't worry every time I get in the car to take my kids places - I'm sure that's far more dangerous than lots of other things we don't allow kids to do.
I am throwing major side eye at anyone who actually read a story about those free range parents, is at all familiar with the area, and still thinks they are justified.
The road they showed on the news coverage? The fuck no for a 5/6 year old. Narrow sidewalk, double yellow line, nope. Also, it's against the law. Spare me the "I am so chill and laid back" bullshit, the law is the law. Maybe we should all just be that chill about car seats then too.
Also, a mile is fucking far. I think people have no clue how far a mile really is.
And finally, I feel like they are just assholes. Maybe it's time to get off the talk show circuit and actually go to the damn park with your kids.
There are a million arguments against helicopter parenting, or what that really even means (I don't think taking a 6 year old to a park a mile away is hovering, but whatever), but these two douches shouldn't be the poster people.
A 6 year old alone? No. A 6 year old with a responsible mature 10 year old? I still don't get the judgement for a 10-15 minute walk. Also I think kids are more likely to fuck around on a less busy road than a busy one and kids would naturally be more cautious in that scenario. I do t think it's a reflection that they don't do anything with their kids because their kids do activities alone together.
Then again I'm so cool I let my five year old kid ride bikes with my 10 year old niece without being a foot away so there's that...
I am throwing major side eye at anyone who actually read a story about those free range parents, is at all familiar with the area, and still thinks they are justified.
The road they showed on the news coverage? The fuck no for a 5/6 year old. Narrow sidewalk, double yellow line, nope. Also, it's against the law. Spare me the "I am so chill and laid back" bullshit, the law is the law. Maybe we should all just be that chill about car seats then too.
Also, a mile is fucking far. I think people have no clue how far a mile really is.
And finally, I feel like they are just assholes. Maybe it's time to get off the talk show circuit and actually go to the damn park with your kids.
There are a million arguments against helicopter parenting, or what that really even means (I don't think taking a 6 year old to a park a mile away is hovering, but whatever), but these two douches shouldn't be the poster people.
A 6 year old alone? No. A 6 year old with a responsible mature 10 year old? I still don't get the judgement for a 10-15 minute walk. Also I think kids are more likely to fuck around on a less busy road than a busy one and kids would naturally be more cautious in that scenario. I do t think it's a reflection that they don't do anything with their kids because their kids do activities alone together.
Then again I'm so cool I let my five year old kid ride bikes with my 10 year old niece without being a foot away so there's that...
Welp, the law is the law. These people are assholes -- they have an open CPS case (which I fully believe is likely justified -- there is no.fucking.way an overloaded system deals with this unless they have information we don't) and chose to continue to risk losing their kids.
What I am cool with and what is the law are two different things.
Guyz Kpoucjg so laid back she lets her five year old ride his bike with a 10 year old but a 4 year old is too young for child scissors without direct supervision. Your shit doesn't add up
A 6 year old alone? No. A 6 year old with a responsible mature 10 year old? I still don't get the judgement for a 10-15 minute walk. Also I think kids are more likely to fuck around on a less busy road than a busy one and kids would naturally be more cautious in that scenario. I do t think it's a reflection that they don't do anything with their kids because their kids do activities alone together.
Then again I'm so cool I let my five year old kid ride bikes with my 10 year old niece without being a foot away so there's that...
Welp, the law is the law. These people are assholes -- they have an open CPS case (which I fully believe is likely justified -- there is no.fucking.way an overloaded system deals with this unless they have information we don't) and chose to continue to risk losing their kids.
What I am cool with and what is the law are two different things.
This is my issue CPS is so loaded with real cases they wouldn't fight this unless there was a real issue. The parents are taunting the system. The are fucking stupid and have a lot to lose.
Also like Amy said its the law. I think a 55 MPH limit on one of our freeways is stupid but I don't get to just choose not to follow it without consequences
Guyz Kpoucjg so laid back she lets her five year old ride his bike with a 10 year old but a 4 year old is too young for child scissors without direct supervision. Your shit doesn't add up
It does. Some 3 year olds can be trusted with scissors. Some can't. Some five year olds can be trusted alone with a 10 year old. I sure as shit wouldn't allow my niece alone with dd next year when she's five. I wouldn't allow my kid to walk alone on a busy road but that's my own paranoia not that there's something wrong. I'm not familiar wit the specific law they broke in letting their kid walk alone but it should change and if they're trying to lobby to make it happen good for them. I do agree that it's wrong to break a law in hopes of getting it changed.
Also like Amy said its the law. I think a 55 MPH limit on one of our freeways is stupid but I don't get to just choose not to follow it without consequences
I would assume many people are rebels and go 60. I did that today. I don't think that cops should pull over every car going 56 but the law exists to get the asshole doing 90. I think this kind of falls in that grey area.
Guyz Kpoucjg so laid back she lets her five year old ride his bike with a 10 year old but a 4 year old is too young for child scissors without direct supervision. Your shit doesn't add up
It does. Some 3 year olds can be trusted with scissors. Some can't. Some five year olds can be trusted alone with a 10 year old. I sure as shit wouldn't allow my niece alone with dd next year when she's five. I wouldn't allow my kid to walk alone on a busy road but that's my own paranoia not that there's something wrong. I'm not familiar wit the specific law they broke in letting their kid walk alone but it should change and if they're trying to lobby to make it happen good for them. I do agree that it's wrong to break a law in hopes of getting it changed.
I agree if you don't agree with a law change it! But putting your children at risk of being taken away to prove a law is stupid is selfish and not what's best for those kids.
It does. Some 3 year olds can be trusted with scissors. Some can't. Some five year olds can be trusted alone with a 10 year old. I sure as shit wouldn't allow my niece alone with dd next year when she's five. I wouldn't allow my kid to walk alone on a busy road but that's my own paranoia not that there's something wrong. I'm not familiar wit the specific law they broke in letting their kid walk alone but it should change and if they're trying to lobby to make it happen good for them. I do agree that it's wrong to break a law in hopes of getting it changed.
I agree if you don't agree with a law change it! But putting your children at risk of being taken away to prove a law is stupid is selfish and not what's best for those kids.
I don't disagree with you. I was more referencing the attitude of zomg the road was busy and it was a 10 minute walk that's negligence!!11!!
I agree if you don't agree with a law change it! But putting your children at risk of being taken away to prove a law is stupid is selfish and not what's best for those kids.
I don't disagree with you. I was more referencing the attitude of zomg the road was busy and it was a 10 minute walk that's negligence!!11!!o
Oh I honestly don't think its neglect. I let my 8 and 6 year old walk a quarter mile to school. I do think these parents are using these kids as pawns in a game now and that makes them shitty parents.
Part of me also feels like this mom is probably sanctimonious as all hell on a local message board, and that someone blew the whistle.
So actually this is generally my neck of the woods and all my message board/neighborhood list people are for the most part up in arms FOR the parents. There is the random person here or there who is all "I don't know guise... doesn't seem safe" but for the most part, they're supported. The reason the CPS case is open is because of a nearly identical incident (kids were walking home from somewhere). So, I don't know that the CPS case is necessarily justified. Also, the law is not actually clear on what is legal. It says something about not allowing kids under 8 to be inside a dwelling unsupervised, and the person watching them has to be 13. But it doesn't say anything specific about walking distances alone.
On the other hand, I don't think I'd let my 6 year old do that walk. And I sure as hell would not "test" the system with my kids.
I'm fine with being that person -- a busy double yellow road a mile away is negligence with a kid that age. I judge the fuck out of it, and honestly I think people grasp at straws when it comes to this story to try and come off as oh so chill and laid back and "No government will tell me how to raise my kids MURICA".
But I also never didn't say I thought many parents are assholes.
Part of me also feels like this mom is probably sanctimonious as all hell on a local message board, and that someone blew the whistle.
So actually this is generally my neck of the woods and all my message board/neighborhood list people are for the most part up in arms FOR the parents. There is the random person here or there who is all "I don't know guise... doesn't seem safe" but for the most part, they're supported. The reason the CPS case is open is because of a nearly identical incident (kids were walking home from somewhere). So, I don't know that the CPS case is necessarily justified. Also, the law is not actually clear on what is legal. It says something about not allowing kids under 8 to be inside a dwelling unsupervised, and the person watching them has to be 13. But it doesn't say anything specific about walking distances alone.
On the other hand, I don't think I'd let my 6 year old do that walk. And I sure as hell would not "test" the system with my kids.
I think those are just the most vocal folks full of shit though. I mean, if people REALLY felt that way, an unattended six year old a mile away from home wouldn't be unusual and wouldn't raise eyebrows.
For all of the whining, I certainly don't see free range five year olds running the town.
So actually this is generally my neck of the woods and all my message board/neighborhood list people are for the most part up in arms FOR the parents. There is the random person here or there who is all "I don't know guise... doesn't seem safe" but for the most part, they're supported. The reason the CPS case is open is because of a nearly identical incident (kids were walking home from somewhere). So, I don't know that the CPS case is necessarily justified. Also, the law is not actually clear on what is legal. It says something about not allowing kids under 8 to be inside a dwelling unsupervised, and the person watching them has to be 13. But it doesn't say anything specific about walking distances alone.
On the other hand, I don't think I'd let my 6 year old do that walk. And I sure as hell would not "test" the system with my kids.
I think those are just the most vocal folks full of shit though. I mean, if people REALLY felt that way, an unattended six year old a mile away from home wouldn't be unusual and wouldn't raise eyebrows.
For all of the whining, I certainly don't see free range five year olds running the town.
Yea could be. It also seems to be a lot of older people talking about what they used to let their kids do. In any case, I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing. It's funny because I think it's generally not the "'murica" type that are up in arms. Most the people around me are left of center. I think the 'murica people are all about this hippy parents being thrown the book. But I get what you're saying.
Post by andrewsgal on Apr 16, 2015 10:41:25 GMT -5
FTR our kids are safer now than ever. However I think this I am so laid back aren't I the best parent shit has gone too far. I have a friend that lets her three year old play alone in her unfenced back yard with a fucking creek in it. She plays the I am so laid back card. Nope you are a bad parent and it's not going to make you a cool mom when your kid drowns.
Post by rosesandpetals on Apr 16, 2015 11:14:36 GMT -5
Yeah, just because the world is safer than it was doesn't mean it isn't still dangerous. You still shouldn't leave your 4 y/o unattended at the mall play place while you go buy food in the food court. That happens unreasonably often here and I really think those people need to get a clue.
And stranger kidnappings are rare but they still happen. If your kid is running around the neighborhood unsupervised, they should still call to check in every couple hours. But I'm also a helicopter parent.
If the rule is kids under 8 can't be unsupervised in the home they sure as heck shouldn't be roaming A MILE away from home. These kids probably know the way just fine and will probably be ok. But seriously....it's asinine to think a 6 and 10 year old are just good to go and to go in the face of a current CPS investigation is really risky and unfair to the kids.
If someone is snatched (worse case) the other kid is left alone? How do they get help? Do they have cell phones on them? What if one kid is injured? Gets sick? They forget the way? A mile is way WAY too far IMO. I'm totally paranoid about my kids (not like standing behind at the park to make sure they don't get hurt), but you can be sure I'll be AT the park with them?!
Post by justbecause on Apr 16, 2015 11:40:18 GMT -5
I don't think things are any different now than on the part except now people judge and report it more. A mom at playgroup left her baby and toddler in the car while she took her 3 year old inside to use the bathroom. She could have asked another mom (there were about 4 in the parking lot) to keep an eye on the car (which we did anyway) but she did not. People were side eyeing like crazy.
Along the same lines, I have a FB friend (who grew up in a large family on a farm in the middle of nowhere--free range and all) who said her stepson (8 yr old) doesn't like to be outside and get dirty so she told him he had to stay out for 2 hours and she wouldn't let him wash off because "dirt is good for kids. They NEED to be out and playing." He was crying because he just wanted to wash off and she told him too bad.
Ummm sure. Exercise and sunshine are nice. Some kids don't like to be dirty though? Can't he play tennis or something? Why does it HAVE to be outside the way YOU like to be outside? Side eyes from me.
I don't think Adrian Peterson should have been reinstated to the NFL. And if he ends up on the Cowboys I'm going to be super upset. That is an unpopular opinion in my house. The second part, not the first.
I don't think Adrian Peterson should have been reinstated to the NFL. And if he ends up on the Cowboys I'm going to be super upset. That is an unpopular opinion in my house. The second part, not the first.
If this opinion is unpopular I will quit you people for good.
I don't think Adrian Peterson should have been reinstated to the NFL. And if he ends up on the Cowboys I'm going to be super upset. That is an unpopular opinion in my house. The second part, not the first.
We are a cowboy hating house. Which given our location is funny. AP should not be playing at all anywhere. But then again you can kill people and play for the Cowboys so I am sure the Big D would love him.
Post by rosesandpetals on Apr 16, 2015 13:31:29 GMT -5
A lady in my mom's group asked about deciding between OAD and having a second. Immediately, everyone started chiming in with, "Kids need a sibling!" and "Only children have a deep seated loneliness that never goes away" and "Don't be selfish" and "Make this sacrifice for your child!" Then one person made a comment about it being more selfish to have kids you can't afford and it was, "I would rather have my brothers than birthday presents!" and "You don't know my lyfe."
I know this isn't an UO here but I hate the only-child shaming and especially when people are so rude but get up in arms when it is thrown back at them.
A lady in my mom's group asked about deciding between OAD and having a second. Immediately, everyone started chiming in with, "Kids need a sibling!" and "Only children have a deep seated loneliness that never goes away" and "Don't be selfish" and "Make this sacrifice for your child!" Then one person made a comment about it being more selfish to have kids you can't afford and it was, "I would rather have my brothers than birthday presents!" and "You don't know my lyfe."
I know this isn't an UO here but I hate the only-child shaming and especially when people are so rude but get up in arms when it is thrown back at them.
I have people telling me "You really should have another, L needs a sibling." Granted they don't know I just had a loss less than three months ago, but still, why comment? It's painful for sure.