As children grow, they start doing things on their own, like going out with friends, staying home alone, or biking to a friend's house.
While most parents believe it's good for kids to be independent, a new survey from the University of Michigan found that many parents may be too cautious.
Let's find out more about it.
A curious experiment
The survey found that many parents agree that kids should have free time without adults, but they don't always let their children do things without supervision.
For example, even though many parents worry about safety, only a few have let their children trick-or-treat with friends or play at the park without an adult.
The main reason parents don't allow more independence is safety concerns, even though most parents believe their neighborhood is safe.
Some parents also worry that someone might call the police or think they're bad parents if their child is seen unsupervised.
For younger kids (ages 5-8), parents also say they want their children to do things themselves, but many children aren't doing things like talking to the doctor, deciding how to spend money, or preparing their own meals.
The reasons include concerns about safety, habits, and thinking it might take too long.
Why it's important
Experts suggest that letting children gradually take on more responsibilities helps them become more confident and better problem solvers.
So, finding a balance between safety and independence is important during these years.
