In the rural Indiana village I grew up in in the 1950s, there were nothing but ‘free range children’. We roamed around the houses, out into the fields and nearby woods all day long, only coming in for lunch.
I grew up free range. My kids did up to a point but I was a bit more protective. Now with cell phones though and tracking devices it seems safer again. I do know her parents won’t let my granddaughter walk to 1/4 mile home alone.
Those “good ole days” don’t exist any longer ... because of the extreme danger to kids in the day we live in. There are way too many out there now just looking to grab kids at the first chance they have.
I also was raised long ago and we wandered freely and even played on the railroad tracks. Different day and time, I despise the Cps groupies, but would ask what kind of neighborhood they live in? There are a lot of perverts out there and Children can be picked up quickly never to be seen again. Do I think this is any business of CPS absolutely not, but do have those questions in my mind 6 and 10, now days are perfect targets.
We were free range kids too. It was a wonderful childhood.
My Dad had a very recognizable whistle that could be heard blocks away. It came about sundown. When we heard that, it meant get your butt home now because dinner was ready.
I grew up in inner city Chicago ( near Humboldt Park) in the 60’s, same thing. Just check in for lunch, and be home when the street lights came on.
Also why I moved my family from Sacramento to Neenah Wi, so my kids could know some of that freedom.