I’m sitting on my front porch, typing away while my kids—ages 2, 4, and 6—are engrossed in an epic adventure involving worms, a garden hose, and a plastic wheelbarrow. I’m nearly out of iced tea and need my caffeine fix, so I head inside, leaving my three munchkins to their imaginations.
Yes, my children play without constant supervision. My yard is fenced in, with a secure gate at the driveway. The little one isn’t about to dart into the street; they understand their boundaries, stick to the yard, and know not to engage with strangers. My eldest is responsible for the younger two, ensuring they share toys (the hose usually gets the most action) and play nice. So please, don’t bother calling the cops. They know what they’re doing, especially during the quick eight minutes it takes to brew my tea while keeping an eye on them through the window.
I’m a firm believer in independent play. Most days, I simply open the back door and let them roam—something I do often. They understand to stay out of the shed (mainly to avoid any creepy critters) and to steer clear of throwing hard objects at each other or digging in unauthorized spots (yes, we have designated digging areas). They know they can only use the hose when I give the green light. My 6-year-old is cautious about bees due to allergies, and they’re all aware that if he gets stung, they need to remain calm and fetch me. The biggest threat out there? The mosquitoes, which are probably carrying West Nile.
Actually, the most significant danger is the nosy neighbor. I’m not concerned about my kids; I’m more anxious about the police showing up to question them. Even in my fenced backyard, the thought of a knock on the door and a badge flashing before me sends shivers down my spine. I dread the interrogation: “Why are the kids outside alone? Why aren’t they in school? Can I come in?”
They’re outside alone because that’s what kids do! It’s what I did as a child. My grandmother would send us out the back door to explore without a second thought. By the time I was 7, I was allowed to roam to the park across the street as long as she stayed on the porch. I was at the park, alone with my 5-year-old sister, making sure she didn’t swing herself into oblivion.
My almost 7-year-old and nearly 5-year-old? They wouldn’t be allowed to venture to the park alone, but I’m not worried about them. They always go with me or other moms, which means they’re effectively unsupervised anyway. They know the rules: no throwing sand, snatching toys, or leaping off the top of play structures designed for safety. They understand not to wander away or delve deep into the bushes near the road. They’re just fine.
What I truly worry about are those well-meaning Good Samaritans who see a child alone and think, “Oh no! This child is in danger!” They rush to alert the authorities and end up talking to my kids, who might be freaked out by a stranger approaching them—just like I warned them. The well-meaning adult might sit and watch until the police arrive, leaving my kids too rattled to explain that they’re just “free-range kids.” Then I can expect a call from social services, who have better things to do than intervene in my sons’ happy, home-schooled adventures.
So please, leave them be. They’re safe and capable. My oldest is almost 7, after all. They have far more important things to do than entertain your worries or answer a cop’s questions. After all, they’re kids, and their job is to play, so kindly move along.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this informative post on home insemination kits. And if you’re looking for tips on boosting fertility, Make a Mom is an excellent resource. For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, CCRM IVF provides a wealth of information.
In summary, let your kids play freely. They’ll be just fine, and you can enjoy your tea in peace.