Parents who let their kids walk around the block accused of neglect
Danielle and Sasha Meitiv have two kids — 10-year-old Rafi and 6-year-old Dvora. They live in Silver Spring, Maryland, and allow the kids to go for walks together without adult supervision. This landed the family in a bit of trouble and they are now under investigation by Child Protective Services.
Some of their neighbors thought it was neglect and called the cops on them.
It’s not like the Meitivs let the kids live in a separate cottage where these kids are left to fend for themselves. The Meitivs are mindful of their parenting — they make sure they have quality time together, eat dinner as a family, they have bedtimes and routines, and they make sure the kids don’t over-do it on the sweets or TV. They seem like great parents. But because they let their children walk around the neighborhood together, their parenting is being questioned.
Mom Danielle said:
“I grew up in New York City in the 70s and nobody hesitated to let their kids walk around. The only thing that’s changed between then and now is our fear.”
With all the child abusers and abduction cases that are rampant in this country today, is it fair to consider leaving kids alone outside for long periods of time neglect? Even if it’s close to home?