#child-independence

#child-independence

While raising my kids in Chicago, I saw a recurring pattern. A neighbor would welcome a second child, or a friend's oldest would be ready for middle school. Suddenly, the city wasn't "enough" for them anymore. Seemingly overnight, they longed for larger backyards, quieter streets, and "better schools." Houses were listed, minivans were purchased, and then loaded to the brim. Those families disappeared into suburban cul-de-sacs.

5. A potty ladder for helping kids independently use the potty at home. Now they can climb up the porcelain throne like the mature kids they are and you can save your poor back muscles from hoisting them up there.

Over one in four kids isn't allowed to play alone, even in their own front yard. 71% of kids have never used a sharp knife. 45% of kids have never walked alone down the aisle of a store when their parent was in a different aisle. 56% of kids have never talked to a neighbor while alone. 62% have never walked or biked anywhere without an adult. 63% have never built a structure, like a fort or tree house, outside their home.