Security theater for child independence

Related: last post on underrated areas of child safety.Sites like Free Range Kids aim to support children’s independence, but ironically give the impression that parents are always getting arrested for letting their child walk to a park. I think this is rare enough that families should let their kids have independence when it’s safe on the object level. But I do think it’s worth thinking about how you’d demonstrate to other concerned adults that you’re approaching your child’s level of risk responsibly. Object-level practices First, build up the child’s actual ability to be safe at higher levels of independence. Help them learn to navigate When you go somewhere together, first point out the landmarks. Later, have them tell you the turns as you get to them. When you have time to get lost, let them choose the turns. If they choose a wrong turn, don’t correct them immediately but let them try getting back to the right route. When going somewhere on a bus or subway, let them tell you…