In Chile, we’ve been giving our kids more individual accountability and responsibility as gain confidence in the community and establish our lifestyle here. At first, we were hesitant to let the kids outside of the walls surrounding the courtyard of our home, but now they can buzz themselves in and out of the gate. We’ve let them go to the nearby park on their own, and now we’ve given Jane the opportunity to run to the local supermarket for errands and treats.
It’s not without hesitation or worry that we give them a longer leash. In Raleigh, we didn’t live close enough to a supermarket to let the kids go on their own. Here, Jane has had to learn how to get in and out of the stores, including carrying a grocery bag, finding the needed items, handling the transaction of money, and addressing any issues with the Spanish speaking adults around her. I’m proud of her for having the confidence to complete the tasks, and I’m proud of Katie and myself for growing as parents, letting our kids venture a little further away.
Of course, technology helps. When our kids do run out on their own, they’re never without a GPS tracker attached to them.
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