Parents have made news recently after being detained for purposefully leaving children on their own, prompting renewed debate about so-called “free-range parenting.”

Moms and dads who practice this parenting style say it promotes independent, even fearless kids. But what is considered free-range by some can look like neglect to others.

If you have strong opinions about this issue and/or practice free-range parenting, please email me at gstaples@ajc.com or call me. I can ...

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A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC