What experts say about raising your child with limited parental supervision
![Free-range Parenting](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10950/346123/5ce6752890628/Free-range-Parenting.jpg)
Long ago when I was a boy, my mum’s idea of was to throw me out of the house, saying don’t come back before dinner. Needless to say, I also walked to school on my own!
At the time, no-one thought that unusual. But nowadays, especially in America, such parenting is unthinkable, even though the world is a far safer place than it was when I was a boy. These days, parents believe that any time their kids are unsupervised, they’re in danger. That idea is completely wrong. It has its origins in news channels and the way they emphasize crimes against children, and the endless campaigners and lawyers who’ve convinced everyone that there are no innocent accidents, only people perpetuated screw ups.
When my mum sent me, age 7, to walk to school, she didn’t worry if she didn’t hear from me all day, because there were no cellphones. Nowadays, instead of receiving sympathy when something goes wrong, American parents can expect immediate and endless Internet hate: ‘Why didn’t she GPS him?’ ‘Why wasn’t she there?’
That’s what’s driving parents to be so vastly overprotective. The fear of everyone blaming you if something bad happens. Somehow, because parents can monitor their kids all the time, not watching them is considered immoral. Laws in America reflect that. Many states specify how old a child must be to walk to school. For example, in Illinois, they must be 11 to be left alone or with a younger child at home.
THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING OVERPROTECTIVE
This story is from the April 2019 edition of TRUE LOVE Magazine East Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2019 edition of TRUE LOVE Magazine East Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![RADIO HEADS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee856dca3e77/crp_RADIO-HEADS.jpg)
RADIO HEADS
Known for their pleasant voices and eloquent English, Cate Sidede, Terry Muikamba and Anne Mwaura open up about life on air, their personal struggles and why they love radio.
![WHY SO INSECURE?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee85b4baac1b/crp_WHY-SO-INSECURE.jpg)
WHY SO INSECURE?
Creating false realities inside your head based on assumptions is highly likely in any relationship. PRISCILLA WAIRIMU says acknowledging this is a problem is the first step in the right direction.
![TOGETHER, APART](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee85335c114f/crp_TOGETHER-APART.jpg)
TOGETHER, APART
Are you in a long-distance relationship? Are you tired of hearing all the messages of doom from people who swear your relationship is bound to fail? ALISON SIFUMA shows you how to foster your connection despite the space between.
![THE BEAT KILLER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee85abe8d188/crp_THE-BEAT-KILLER.jpg)
THE BEAT KILLER
Amos Njenga Chege aka Magix Enga, on producing, forgiving Harmonize for sampling his beats and finally getting into singing.
![THE ANTI-SOCIAL STORY TELLER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee85a2d38515/crp_THE-ANTI-SOCIAL-STORY-TELLER.jpg)
THE ANTI-SOCIAL STORY TELLER
Muigai Mwangi aka Ndugu Abisai, 30 loves the art of storytelling. He speaks on his love for chai, his biggest fear as a writer and the Soap opera he is currently writing.
![The Making Of A Popstar](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee84a06ed29c/crp_The-Making-Of-A-Popstar.jpg)
The Making Of A Popstar
Her first EP (Extended Play Record) is ruling the airwaves and Tanasha Donna wants you to know that despite her heartbreak and being a new mom she is on her way to superstardom.
![IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP FUN?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee851c053f74/crp_IS-YOUR-RELATIONSHIP-FUN.jpg)
IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP FUN?
A relationship can sometimes feel boring. This is a phase that comes and goes. However there are certain circumstances where feelings of relationship boredom are not a phase but are permanent.
![MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee85490957d3/crp_MANAGING-YOUR-ANXIETY.jpg)
MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY
Anxiety is like a toddler, it never stops talking, tells you constantly that it wants its own way, and keeps you up when you are trying to sleep.
![INDOOR CAMPING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee859607a9cc/crp_INDOOR-CAMPING.jpg)
INDOOR CAMPING
No indoor plans for the Easter Holiday? MERCY RAPHA shows you how to make indoor camping a forever memory for your kids.
![6 FUN HOUSE-BOUND ACTIVITIES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10950/466641/5ee8506f06466/crp_6FUN-HOUSE-BOUND-ACTIVITIES.jpg)
6 FUN HOUSE-BOUND ACTIVITIES
Stuck with the kids at home this lockdown season? MERCY RAPHA gives you fun activities to turn boredom into bonding time.