There is a lot of judgement here on Mumsnet, if you do something different.
I am therefore a terrible mother compared to most of the parents here.
I've let my child play outside by himself from age of five. Granted we lived in Finland then. Where it is completely normal to do so. But it seems to be the crime of the century on this site.
My son even goes to Boys Brigade 2.5km away, on his own, on his bike, on the one main road into the capital city I live in, which exists here. He's there right now. He'll ride home at 2100, by himself. Someone call Social Services!
As is allowed by the law in my State, my son stays home by himself. He is an only child. Has done so since he was 6, as is the norm in Finland, where he still lived then.
He has had a mobile phone since he was 6. Definitely not normal here on Mumsnet.
I don't bother to check his online use. He's never done "naughty" stuff on the net. I have no children locks on the net or Foxtel. Never needed to use them. He isn't a perfect child by any means, but does seem to have a decent head on his shoulders regarding the net.
My son goes outside with his mates and I don't track where he is. I don't text nonstop and don't expect him to.
I could go on. Probably because I am alone with him. We are pretty close. There is nothing he can't tell me. I am still the adult and mother, but am a pretty easy going one,if he toes the line.
I don't believe in raising children in cotton wool, little independence, fear of your own shadow, etc, which seem to all be the norm these days. I believe children should be allowed to be children. Life is too short.