[Albion Wilde]

I am not coming down on either side of this story as of yet. There seems to be smoke on both sides. Below, however, I am posting a link to the DailyMail article that carries very large photos of several of the children and the "homestead". Be aware that DailyMail also ran numerous stories about the "free-range" children in Silver Spring, MD whose parents are scientists and let the kids roam over a mile from home in a dense, heavily-trafficked suburb. DM likes to stir the pot on American controversies and frequently seems to enjoy putting America in a bad light. Other times, DM is the only place to read stories that are suppressed by U.S. media. So, here is the link, and below are two photos from the link for those of you who don't want to click through:

DailyMail: Raised in 'dirty' tents with no water, kept out of school and neighbors threatened with guns - it's just trendy 'free range' parenting claim couple, as they blast authorities for taking their TEN kids

[MeshugeMikey]

complete independence from birth??? I dont .....think so

[CaptainK]

If they are back to basics, how and why are they on the internet?

[CommerceComet]

Obviously, there must be abuse here - children never get dirty when they're playing nor are attracted to playing in the mud. Right?

Careful selection of photographs can make almost any farm look like squalor. Outbuildings are designed for function, not appearance. Most farms are not going to have the manicured appearance of Calumet Farms or one of the other thoroughbred farms in Northern Kentucky.

I'm guessing the truth of the situation is likely somewhere between the Examiner piece and the Daily Mail piece. Each of these seem to have an agenda.

[BlackAdderess]

Well, from what I gather they don’t look like they were taking responsibility for the kids education. The acquaintance said “this is how everyone used to learn” but A) not in living memory it isn’t, and B) people were largely illiterate when this was true. I’m totally down with one-room schoolhouse type learning which is prevalent in homeschooling households, but it looks like they were living like hamsters, frankly.

[Moonman62]

Sure, they are playing in the mud, but otherwise they look very healthy and clean. Their hair and skin are in excellent condition.

[BobL]

Thanks. I realize that you’re just trying to help supply me with information, but the idea of kids with mud splattered on them means absolutely nothing to me regarding how they live (if anything, it means their parents are letting them see a bit of the real world). On the other hand, if they’re not reading decently by the time they’re 12 years old, then there is a problem, a BIG PROBLEM.

[beaversmom]

Thanks for posting that link. Here's another photo of the family.

I haven't read the DM article, yet, but the lead-up seems to be highly sensationalized. I like the DM as I read about things with them they I don't see in our own press, but I don't put much stock into that hype. I hope they get their kids back unless they is *real* abuse going on. The state is causing psychological harm...especially to the littlest ones.

[Aleya2Fairlie]

These children are obviously not malnourished or physically abused. While I, personally wouldn’t choose to live this way; if I DID choose to I would fully expect to be left alone.

But I grew up making mud pies, having mud fights with my sister and generally being a little heathen during the summer months on my childhood homeplace. I didn’t put on a pair of shoes from June until school started in September. I did, indeed, learn much about life and gained a lot of common sense from those times that has served me well in all my years. I rather think that children who have never had even a short time of being “free range” are deprived also.

[proudpapa]

Just an observation: The kids look healthy and happy (not to mention dirty) in the photos.

Unless there is evidence of significant crimes or physical/sexual abuse the gov’t has overstepped once again.