Yeah, I'm sure this kind of thing must happen here too (people being overly critical of how parents raise their kids, cars, all of that), but it doesn't seem to happen nearly as much (probably because all the would be tattle-tale mommies are just as busy in a store somewhere with their kids in the car too).

I think we live in a much safer time. Heck, I remember riding with my parents in a car with my head hanging out the window…when I was 3! Car seats? What were those? We used to get stuck waiting in the car all the time while "mom went in to grab something"…but we weren't stupid, if it got hot in the car we'd open a window.

Gotta love today's world for raising kids. Makes me glad I'm in Utah. I sure as heck would hate raising kids in Oregon.

Two years in Oregon watching how stuff there was done was enough to cure me. I'll keep my Utah.

I'm terrified that the neighbors in our apartment complex are going to turn us into CPS when Madilyn throws a grand mall tantrum. And I'll admit I'm terrified to let her walk to the bus stop by herself because of the kilt man who lives two doors down.

I people need to offer to help before they judge or offer annoying advice.

We moved to the top of a mountain last year and have virtually no neighbors and certainly not a trick or treater within 5 miles. Last Halloween we found ourselves driving around the Pacific Terrace area to just look at the little kids trick or treating. We worried about being reported! For reals.

I think that this is in the same vein as being 'politically correct' all of the time. I am so tired of walking on eggshells (forgive the pun)

So free range it is -

Brandy – I would agree, that the risk of injury is serious. I won't let Nolan outside for a second because he has absolutely no street awareness. And if they had friends across the street, I would also be concerned about the crossing. That is a very real danger and concern. We, however, live on a busy enough street that Mylie knows how dangerous it is, and knows that her boundaries are simply our driveway and the sidewalk. I've watched her enough when she doesn't know I am to believe that she stays in those boundaries quite well. And, we don't have any little kids around to tempt her to cross.

Shannon – I will definitely check out that book! Thanks!

Kiersten – I remember that post. I almost cried for you. I totally felt your pain.

Kara – yes, that would be a difficult judgment call. I do think that Oregon law says that 20 minutes or over is endangerment. And I also agree that people are trying to be helpful when they're waiting by the car. When people have stopped at my house when Mylie's out riding her bike (to tell me that she's out there by herself) I politely thank them for watching out for her, and tell them that she's allowed to do it. I know they're trying to be helpful. However, I think it would do us all to reconsider our reactions to such parents… instead of simply saying "they arrest parents for that!" Or the people who called the cops on you could have come over to see if there was anything they could do to help. Oh, and I listened to the radio show – it's excellent!!

Margene – I've never lived outside Oregon with children (at least not since Mylie was 1). It would be interesting to see how it varies from state to state. However, I will say that there are some crazy crazy articles on Lenore's blog that come from ALL OVER the country. (and P.S. is your departure imminent? That would be a sad day!)

Bonnie – what a scary situation! I'm glad there were people there to help!! I do think it's all about training your kids, and giving them increasing responsibility in baby steps. For example, some kids would be ready to be home alone at 8. Others, probably not till closer to 18. That's why I think making laws about certain ages is a bad idea. It allows some parents to leave kids who aren't ready, and inhibits others.

Ryan always wants to return the cart now. (He's almost 6.) So we had the parking lot safety talk AGAIN and I usually put Elaina in her seat and then watch him as he dashes to put it away. I am no stranger to leaving them in the car ALONE (God forbid) for a few minutes if I can see them. It's so much easier than pulling both kids out of the car to run into the dry cleaner's to drop off a shirt. Seriously. I remember waiting, patiently, for my mom to run into various businesses for a few minutes also. We were fine. (I know DHS would probably disagree, though.)

Actually, there was one incident a few years ago that really freaked me out. And then I came to know how safe my community really can be. I was at Home Depot, strapping Ryan into his car seat…I think he was about 2. He took my keys, hit the lock button, and threw them over the seat. I shut the door without thinking…oops! At it was at least 90 degrees! With ALL the windows up. I stopped for a second, and then ran into the store to call 911 to see if Mike was anywhere close to let me get the kid out of the hot car. This was when he still was a sheriff's deputy, so he was in Bly. But I found out that the towing companies do it for free when there's a kid involved, and the guy was very nice and FAST. When I'd come out of the store there was an elderly couple talking to Ryan through the windows. They didn't talk down to me; they said they'd seen the whole thing and were just keeping him company. Most people are pretty understanding, I think. Did you ever find your purse? That would totally stink. We all make our mistakes….

Whatever happened to offering a helping hand vs. accusing of abuse. This NEVER happen when we lived in Utah. (Where most people actually UNDERSTAND raising children).

I had the same experience watching my kids from inside a building for like 2 minutes and when I came out – it was a man on the phone by my vehicle with the police. Then I had to talk to the police and give a report. They told me that it's not considered neglect unless you leave your kids longer than 20 minutes. Hmmm…. 2 minutes was close, I tell ya (in a locked car that I had in my view the whole time!)

I believe in Mother's intuition. I believe we have the ability to receive inspiration for our own children that SUPERSEDES what government, strangers, and by standers may think. And honestly, I believe there are too many Mother Hen's watching other peoples kids WITHOUT true insight, or compassion involved, but the anticipation of "catching" someone begin abused or neglected.

Yes, abuse really happens, and there are parents out there that are truly neglectful… but in the scare of trying to find the abusers, it's sad to see it become more like a witch hunt!

Of all the things I love about Oregon, this is probably one of the biggest things I will not miss when we do eventually move!!