EVEN NPR IS POINTING OUT THE IMPORTANCE OF giving children autonomy.

But with this sad proviso that isn’t actually NPR’s fault: “Editor’s note: This story discusses the practice of giving children the freedom to go out on their own. In some places, parents who allow young children to run errands or go places without adult supervision may violate local laws. Parents interested in this topic should be sure to familiarize themselves with the law and rules in their community.”