Free Range Kids

Dear Katie & Kelly,

I’ve noticed that these kids, no more than 6 or 7, years old are playing in the playground near my house frequently without a parent nearby watching them ever. I’ve come close to calling the police a few times because I’m genuinely concerned for their well being with such absentee parenting.

Sincerely

Concerned in Camden

Dear Concerned,

It’s very thoughtful of you to keep such a close eye on these random kids. What’s that Hillary Clinton saying, “It takes a village”? Well, you’re part of that village for these kids that’s for sure. We’re guessing from your note that you’re a Classic or an Organic Structure. Most Smarts wouldn’t bother to notice or think about ringing the police in this situation nor Organic Freedoms or Funs who can buck the rules frequently. We take it you’re concerned that these children will be kidnapped or harmed because their parents are not present.

Before you call police on these “negligent” parents, remember, kids can just as easily fall off the monkey bars with a parent present than without and know that stranger kidnappings are extremely rare. VERY rare. Children are 2x more likely to die of the flu and 4x more likely to die of heart disease than to be kidnapped by a stranger. In fact, the average child is more likely to die in a plane crash than be kidnapped. Sure, we’d like to eliminate all risk from life but the way we see it, it’s not our job to eliminate minute risk from a stranger’s life or their child’s. It’s a free country still. Right?

All our best,

Katie & Kelly