[Aliantha]

That habit/practice horrifies me. These days I think that maybe with some kids it's probably ideal, but for every day kids, I don't like it. The whole dogs on leashes thing of it bothers me. Yeah I know people have good arguments for it, but I've always been of the mind that if your child is old enough to be out of the stroller and walking, they should be holding your hand if it's dangerous, and doing what they're told in general.

Anyway, some people don't like the fact that I let Max catch the bus by himself to school. I guess all parents even within different cultures have different ideas on parenting and what's safe. I think generally this is ok because most parents know what their children can and can't cope with.