An article in The Sunday Times/News Review on 11.07.10 reported about how parents perceive and foster children’s freedom.
In particular, one set of parents got into trouble for allowing their eight year old daughter and five year old son to cycle, unsupervised, one mile from their home to school. A number of disapproving parents voiced their opinions about the children’s safety. The head teacher hauled them in and were told that it was inappropriate to let children so young make their way to school alone.
They are now under the threat of being referred to Social Services (under guidance issued by the former Department for Children, Schools and Families) which compels schools to act if it “believes or suspects that a child may be suffering, or is likely to suffer significant harm”.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
Are you a parent that does everything for your children?
What do you do to foster independence in your children?
Jot down a few of your thoughts down below.