There are a number of parenting styles being championed in life and online these days, one of which is ‘free-range parenting’. The aim of this approach is to allow the child to make their own way in the world and explore at their own pace.
However, two self-confessed free-range parents in the US have just been found guilty of neglect after they let their six- and 10-year-old make a mile-long walk home from the park alone in January.
Danielle and Alexander Meitiv’s children Rafi and Dvora were found walking alone by police – an incident that resulted in the family undergoing investigations by Child Protection Services.
Their ruling means Child Protection Services will keep the family’s file open for at least five years, resulting in ongoing check-ins.
However Danielle and Alexander, who are both scientists, say they will continue to raise their children the way they see fit and intend to appeal the decision.
While the CPS ruling is not a criminal charge, the Meitiv family could be prosecuted down the line if another incident occurs where there is sufficient information or witnesses.
Danielle says while the mile-long walk was the longest the children had taken alone, they had done shorter walks without supervision and had never encountered problems.
“We're just doing what our parents did. It was considered perfectly normal just one generation ago.”