Thanks so much Quasimodo for sharing your response! No apologies, I enjoyed reading your own experiences! I must confess I am one of those parents who is very wary of letting kids play alone outside. We, unfortunately, live in scary times. Call me crazy, but I have heard too many awful stories. I feel it’s better to be safe than sorry.

You are right, most skills are only learned when kids are left alone to figure it out themselves. By the time my kids are in middle school, I feel they will be better able to protect themselves. Then, of course, I will let them venture out on their own. It will be time for the hatchlings to fly the nest!