My son stayed home alone at 7 and biked across town by his tweens. I don't regret giving him so much independence.

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Julie Royce sitting next to her son on a blanket in a park
Taken at Pease Park in Austin. My son is 19 in this picture and still indulges me for family pics.

Courtesy of Julie Royce

I tried to be a good parent by catering to my son's every whim. It backfired, and now he has little self-esteem.

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Crystal Hoshaw with her son sitting near a creek
My son would make excuses for why he couldn't do simple tasks or chores. I put up with it for too long.

Courtesy of Crystal Hoshaw

I set up a free-range playdate for kids in our area. Parents take turns watching the group, and we don't hover over them as they play.

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A group of kids in a playground
Sara Pecora took this photo from a distance during her shift as the one parent at the playground.

Courtesy of Sara Pecora

My 11-year-old walked less than a mile away from home. I was arrested and charged with reckless conduct.

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A mother and her tween son standing in woodland.
Brittany Patterson with her son, Soren, 11.

Courtesy of Brittany Patterson.

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