I am convinced there are benefits to letting your children roam and learn about the world on their own (within reasonable limits, of course). I grew up in Chicago in the 90s and once I was old enough to understand the seriousness of being careful around traffic and crossing the street safely I was allowed to walk to the home of friends who lived a few blocks away on my own. I learned how to navigate the city: oh my usual route is blocked by construction, I have to find a different way.

By the time I was 12 I was taking the El home from school, a consequence of my decision to participate in after-school Jazz band. But that's the thing, it was my choice. If I wanted to be in the band, then I'd have to take the train as my parents couldn't pick me up at that time.

By the time I got to college, it was painfully clear which of my fellow students in the dorms had never had to do anything for themselves before. They were very nearly incapable of caring for themselves, be it their living spaces or navigating life in a new city.