A story about free range kids and community.

This is a story that happened not terribly long ago but that I've been lax in putting up here, Sorry about that. Here it is:

Edison is almost 4 and enjoys walking our aging dog Odie I let him go as far as the end of our block and Odie being a well trained dog won't let him cross the road. well he was doing just that, walking our dog and I was watching from a few letterboxes down so I knew he was truly safe but not smothering him. 

A rough looking boy(about 6 years old) known for causing trouble came to him, I couldn't hear the conversation and slowly started walking towards them. Suddenly he grabbed Odie's leash and started off with the dog at first I though Ed had let him have a turn but then he started crying, loudly. I was about to call Odie back this kid wouldn't have known what hit him when this Bull dog X (pit-mix for the Americans) started pulling him back when I saw the group of neighbor hood children that had attended Kickys' party. 

Five of the usual group of seven are staring this guy down. two of them are much older than Edison and the little dog thief; they're 11. 

They command respect amongst their younger peers and the oldest boy says "that dog doesn't belong to you. Give it back" The boy stood there a moment trying to work out if he could ignore this guy or if he'd be sorry he didn't listen. He didn't have to wait long.

The girl went over and hugged Edison and whispered something that made him laugh. The boy took the dog leash from the bully's hand and handed it back to Edison and the bully took off running back to what I assume is his house. 

Free range kids have COMMUNITY! these older kids have enjoyed playing on our property since the party that almost wasn't. And come over a lot, entering from the back fence and interacting with our boys and pets regularly, (our pony needs a diet as a result of the treats they feed her). So there we have it. my little guys have bigger kids as friends and they look out for each other! They also learn better social and negotiation skills when parents "stay out of it" unless absolutely necessary. 

While I will readily admit it's sometimes daunting because we may be afraid bigger kids will be rough with our small children or even try to hurt them, it's more destructive than constructive to rush to their aid every time someone doesn't want to wait their turn or snatches. It can even backfire as the kids feel our discomfort at the close proximity feeding off the negative vibe for lack of a better word. 

If we do it for them yes they feel momentarily secure but they never truly learn what it is to manage their own conflicts and eventually this eats away at their confidence think: "Mum has to help me with this without her I am helpless". By hanging back and watching we give them the opportunity to try in a controlled environment. Which then makes them feel empowered to try on their own first and then if they can't work it out they'll ask you. There is no need to fight every battle your child has. Give the kids some credit and they'll make friends and be watched out for by their peers and in turn when they're bigger they too will watch out for the little ones.