Authorities, Neighbors Can’t Distinguish Between Abused and Independent Kids

kids
Two children take their dogs for a walk. Barney Moss/Flickr
kids
Two children take their dogs for a walk. Barney Moss/Flickr

Authorities, Neighbors Can’t Distinguish Between Abused and Independent Kids

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A Wilmette mom recently had police show up at her door and underwent an investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services after an anonymous caller spotted her 8-year-old walking the family dog down the block on her own.

The incident is just the latest in a series of stories that have left many shaking their heads and wondering if we’re raising a generation of kids who can’t — or won’t — be left alone.

But others think there are good reasons to worry about the safety of our kids in today’s society.

Morning Shift talks to a sociologist about teaching kids the independence and decision-making skills they need to grow into healthy adults.

GUEST: Barbara Risman, professor of sociology at the University of Illinois at Chicago

LEARN MORE: Wilmette mom investigated for letting 8-year-old walk dog around the block. ‘For something like this to happen to me, there’s something really wrong.’ (Chicago Tribune 8/23)

State agency Investigates Illinois mom for letting 8-year-old walk dog around block (Illinois Policy Institute 8/23)

‘Free-Range’ Parenting’s Unfair Double Standard (The Atlantic 4/3/18)