[JustCourtney]

Things really have changed! I lived about a half mile from my elementary school, and I walked to and from school alone starting in the spring of first grade! Heck, we would ride our bikes all over town, and run the neighborhood all day in the summer, reporting home for lunch and dinner only! I think my parents left me for short bits about 9, and I was babysitting at 12 - I got certified at the local library by the Red Cross!

Slightly OT, but this thread got me thinking....I am afraid that cell phones, and the ability to keep in close contact while away from home might create a false sense of security for some parents, and they might leave their kids before they are ready. On the other hand, it might also become a crutch for a lot of kids and hinder their ability to learn to think and act independently.

I would also like to add that my son is just a baby, and I am glad I don't have to worry about it for quite awhile !