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RE: Home alone, a five minute free write
Yes, I grew up like that, although I don't remember actually having the key hanging around my neck. Of course, I wouldn't dream of letting my son alone for any lenghty period of time... as for going across town on his own as I used to do at his age, not a chance.
I don't know if it was done on purpose, but the media managed to put all these insane fears in our heads, any isolated incident being blown out of proportions. I even read a book about this kind of manipulation, my rational mind tells me I should let my boy be more independent, but I just can't.
You're absolutely correct. We've been made to perceive the world as a much more dangerous place for kids now, while it is likely a lot safer. I remember when we used to ask my father why we weren't called in from play and looked after like other kids were, he used to tell us about the exposure of infants in Ancient Rome.
The world is dangerous but kids need to be gradually introduced and exposed to it and we need to trust them as they get older, gradually, one step at a time. You don't have to give kids the keys to the city all at once in one second, but how about just one small piece at a time, per year or whatever. Baby steps, slowly. If kids are ready to be independent, they may try to run away like my older sister tried.