Do You Know Where Your Children Are?

 

Whyyyy back in my day I roamed the hood all day long, unafraid and unmolested. Sure, there were creeps and some found me, like the time my parents sat in a bar whilst I was given my "license" to be independent and sit in the car. Someone I knew, one of those types who have stupid nicknames as adults, like Scooter, knocked on the car window, then sat at up front, telling me how pretty I was. It wasn't until years later I realized he was masturbating as he flattered a seven year olds ego. But, I usually felt safe as I explored my world.

This mother wants her children to be independent and allows them to walk to and from school, a mile away. She lets them play alone in the park and provides them with "licenses," which inform any nosy bodies she does know where her children are, and it's all good. Yes, I'm sure a child molester will back off after reading that. I do hope she's also taught them how to grab balls and squeeze, poke out eyes and scream, "Fire!" 

I don't want to be the old fogie who complains "Times have changed!" Maybe they really haven't. Maybe we're just more aware of the bad people around us. And since there are more people, there are more creeps amongst us. So, why would you ever take a chance and just hope your children come back after their independent adventures?

Kids can be independent when they're eighteen. They can learn all about the ugly world then, just like the rest of us. Kick them to the curb when they are legally an adult and lock the door. Until then, you protect them. You watch them. You yell at them if they roam. That way they'll never have memories of a guy named Scooter getting off in front of a seven year old girl. Just a thought.