Children roaming alone spark controversy over "free-range parenting"

A hot debate is unfolding in a Washington, D.C., suburb over how much freedom is safe for young children. It all started when a 6- and 10-year-old were taking a walk on a busy street and got picked up by police. Chip Reid reports from Silver Spring, Maryland.

[@kellyflores4931]

How is she "controlling the environment " if she isn't even there... Makes no sense lady!

[@emilys5008]

i used to walk farther then that alone and at a younger age. this is just stupid.

[@Megnk88]

omg you people are so judgemental! your just jealous that your kids are and not street smart! i like how the parents are free minded their kids will grow up and be independent and brave!!! stop telling people how to be parents their kids are obviously smarter than yours!!!!!

[@xmakinbandz5751]

You type of person to let your kids do whatever they want that's the problem with parent nowadays

[@faithful1813]

@@xmakinbandz5751 I am all for parents making sure their kids are safe, but a child is perfectly capable of understanding basic street laws. If your child doesn't understand it, you can be with them until they're able to understand. Of course at the end of the day, parents choose how to raise their child the way they know best, all I'm saying is that you should put more trust into your children.

[@xmakinbandz5751]

@@faithful1813 well tell that to the ciminals in the whole world because i wouldnt want my child to become a criminal especially being around bad influences.

[@rachelmagdelena5]

clearly these journalists don't agree with this family in their parenting style. So much for being objective.

[@samu6874]

The Land of the Free 😂🤣
Children Age 6 Take the Subway in Berlin to go to school Every day. On their own. There are 5 year old kids capable walking to daycare unsupervised. It is perfectly normal for 3 year olds to use knifes and Tools, help cooking dinners, climb Trees. It is on you to Teach them well. Get over it and Stop mollycoddling.

[@its_baryl]

This is interesting.. its a great debate. However they are really teaching the older boy is that HE is the protector and not the parents. Throughout the entire interview he has his arm around her. He also leads her through the park. She hasn't really learned self reliance. I need my kids to have the tools to think on their feet. But I would rather be in ear shot.

[@lauraweaver1019]

Seriously this is a super busy area with tons of crazy traffic. A 10 year old doesn't understand traffic laws and how someone might try to turn right on red not realizing someone is in the crosswalk!

[@lakeshaclark9251]

WOOOW!! REALLY.. THERES NO WAY IN THE WORLD I WOULD LET MY CHILDREN THAT YOUNG GO OFF ALONE.. WHAT IS WRONG WITH PPL... THERE IS TO MUCH GOING ON IN THIS WORLD FOR THAT.. FREE RANGE MY ASS..

[@911ambulancegirl]

Your children aren't chickens. Watch them.

[@colemandan100]

There are some stupid people in this world. No doubt about that. Do they not see whats going on in the world. Wake up parents or have your children taken from you.