The second best dad in America.

[katiesue]

I try and give Maddy as much freedom as I can. To be honest I'd do more but her dad would have a cow and have me arrested or something.

She's 12. She comes home from school by herself. She has to cross a busy street but it's only a block. She has an orthodontist appointment in a few weeks. It's about 4 blocks from home. I have no problem letting her walk there and back. She has a cell and she's very good about checking in.

I'll let her go to another department at the store or mall. She's never not been where she was supposed to be. Disneyland as well. She's handy as a fastpass runner. If we had any sort of public transportation she could use I would let her.

I do think people are beyond over protective and it's not good for the kids. I have a friend who goes on EVERY field trip her daughter goes on because she's paranoid something will happen with either the teacher or the other parents. She's appalled I don't do the same. (she was also quite freaked that I'd go camping with people from the internet )

There are some states where it is illeagl to leave a child alone under certain ages. As far as I can tell California has no such law. I was looking around when I started letting Maddy stay home while I ran to the supermarket and such. Just to make sure I was in the clear. My aunt had a co-worker who lost custody of her son because she'd go running every morning and leave him home asleep for a half hour or so.

Besides hello, you left the child in Bloomies. What better place