Is the "law" overstepping it's bounds on parenting?

[jamo]

I get not wanting 7-year-olds to be left alone for long amounts of time, but felony child neglect seems like an insane charge. Just issuing a warning would seem to make the most sense.

[Golfingdad]

Are the times really different or has the internet, video cameras on almost every block, smart phones  and 24 hour news channels just made us much more aware of all the sicko's that are out there?  I think each generation has a tendency to look at their past with rose covered glasses but I'm not so sure the 70's and 80's were as "safe" as we remember.

Yeah, I would even argue that times are a lot safer now than then.  But we're more aware of what dangers are out there and more cautious, and at least for that reason, times are different.  Side note:  Remember all of the PSA commercials back in the '80's about bad things that we don't have now?  "I learned it by watching you, OK!" or "This'll be our little secret."

I get not wanting 7-year-olds to be left alone for long amounts of time, but felony child neglect seems like an insane charge. Just issuing a warning would seem to make the most sense.

Yeah, it is pretty nuts.  I can't imagine it sticks.  And maybe it'll do some good - if there actually are more offenders in the area - now more locals are aware and will be more cautious.

[newtogolf]

Yeah, I would even argue that times are a lot safer now than then.  But we're more aware of what dangers are out there and more cautious, and at least for that reason, times are different.  Side note:  Remember all of the PSA commercials back in the '80's about bad things that we don't have now?  "I learned it by watching you, OK!" or "This'll be our little secret."

I think parents today are doing their kids a disservice with all the over protection (though I'm just as guilty of it).  I think the next generation of kids are going to have a much tougher time being self sufficient / reliant adults as a result of all the smothering.

As to the threads topic, I don't believe a 7 year old should be alone in a park or sitting in a Arby's without adult supervision.  Are the parents criminally negligent, not really, but minimally a warning and follow up from CPS would be appropriate.

[Golfingdad]

I think parents today are doing their kids a disservice with all the over protection (though I'm just as guilty of it).  I think the next generation of kids are going to have a much tougher time being self sufficient / reliant adults as a result of all the smothering.

As to the threads topic, I don't believe a 7 year old should be alone in a park or sitting in a Arby's without adult supervision.  Are the parents criminally negligent, not really, but minimally a warning and follow up from CPS would be appropriate.

I agree here too.  (And, sadly, the 'though I'm guilty of it' applies to me as well) I read a story the other day about "helicopter parents" and for those who don't know the term ... it basically means "hovering."  Then while at the park I had to catch myself cuz I'm following my daughter around the entire jungle gym afraid that she's going to fall off of every plaything.  And I looked around and all of the other parents are doing it too.  We gotta let them learn for themselves a little bit more.  Let them fall and pick themselves up.  etc, etc.

[Roblar]

http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2014/03/hey-parents-leave-those-kids-alone/358631/

That's a good read.  As a relatively new parent and a guy that grew up in the country.... I have mixed feelings about the degree of hovering that parents are 'supposed to do' these days.  I'd like to give my kids more freedom to fail and triumph on their own (and learn from it)...

[MS256]

http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2014/03/hey-parents-leave-those-kids-alone/358631/

That's a good read.  As a relatively new parent and a guy that grew up in the country.... I have mixed feelings about the degree of hovering that parents are 'supposed to do' these days.  I'd like to give my kids more freedom to fail and triumph on their own (and learn from it)...

Sounds like you will do fine as a parent. Encourage them to do a variety of things, don't do it for them (even though you will want to) and let them figure things out for themselves.

I spent about a year when I was a kid (8 or 9 years old) trying to build an airplane. I'm sure my dad knew it would never fly but he told me if it looked like it would fly he would buy me a motorcycle engine to put in it. When it finally became obvious to me that I was never going to get it off of the ground I took the wings off and turned it into a downhill coasting ground vehicle.

Gave me something to do and learned a lot of lessons about problem solving, how to use tools, and how to weld.

[notechno]

When I was 4 I was found walking on the South St Bridge in Philly after dark. I man picked me up and took me to the Police Station in the neighborhood. My parents were located and I was back home. No arrests, child services or social workers coming around. The yr was 1955. Today Mom and Dad would be hung by their thumbs and I would be in the "PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF CHILD SERVICES" of some "CARING" foster parents...........

[Gunther]

This example is a bit much even though I wouldnt let my 7 year old go to the park alone but thats just me. Now I do believe parents should get a felony when leaving their kids in a hot car. We had a lady here in the Bay Area leave I believe two kids in the car while she was in the Casino gambling during a F___ING heat wave. Luckily a passer by saw the kids and called the police. Sometimes the law needs to step in but in the case of the kid being at the park I dont think a felony was necessary.

Happens 2 or 3 times every summer here in Dallas. Very sad...