There's a distinct difference between free-range and neglegence in my mind. (Giving DS free-range with his knife before he's learned it's rules is over the line for me. Giving him one a few years before Scouts Canada says he can have one, and teaching him how to use it safely, not so much. That said, he won't take it to Cub events. Respecting group rules is as important as other people respecting ours.)

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on perspective, we don't all agree on where that line is. Free Range Kids is one of my favorite books but I find the comments section on the website disturbing because so many people refuse to accept the boundaries other people set for their own kids, while many others think their kid should be able to have their heart's desire regardless of others.

It's a matter of respect in my books!