My daughter, 13, is very independant and was riding her bike to school 1/2 mile away in 3rd grade. Although we've since moved, my son would not have been mature enough in 3rd grade to do that.

We are working on being responsible - as he's having issues being responsible with his homework and school papers.

I let him go to the store and park with her. He can ride around the block on his bike and go to his friend's house in our neighborhood.

But I see small kids roaming the streets at major intersections on their bikes - not being responsible about watching for cars - or blatently just riding through the parking lot not bothering to move to the side when cars are coming and figure if other kids that age aren't behaving right - when my son hangs out with them he'll follow suit. Guess I shoudln't judge my own kids by others actions - but it's hard not to.

They've got to learn some things on their own - but as a parent it's hard not to be over protective.