Helicopter Parent VS Free Range

We don't always agree on how to parent the kids. What do you think? Helicopter parenting or free range?
Thanks for being here! We’re Kim and Penn Holderness of The Holderness Family. We create original music, song parodies, and skits to poke fun of ourselves, the world we live in, and (hopefully) make you laugh.
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[@BreckGirl04]

I literally Laughed out loud! I love when you guys voice the other person’s side of the story! I think it’s my favorite part of these videos.

[@aaronpulley7528]

The fact they can do that without divorcing means something about their relationship. I don't know what, but something.

[@monicaruby8888]

Honestly Kim back in the day ('40s & '70s-my mom's era and mine) we had more freedom, but all the adults in a neighborhood also watched out for all the other kids. They would all tell you if you were doing something wrong, and they would also tell your parents. And the parents appreciated it back then. These days a lot of parents act crazy if you say something to their child.

[@iceberg9248]

This is the truth

[@jsncreativeservices5847]

I was walking my kids home from school and this 10 year old was trying to beat up an 8 year old. She had him on the ground and was about to hit him in the head with a glass Yoo-hoo bottle. I screamed at her that she had lost her mind and had better stop or I was gonna snatch a knot in her head. They broke up the fight and ran separate ways. The next day the little boys Mom confronted me ready to fight because as she put it I was yelling at her son. I said you need to hold up. That little girl over there had your son pinned to the ground and was going to bash his head in with a Yoo-hoo bottle. It was her I was yelling at but if you want to pay for an emergency room visit or funeral I won’t protect your child next time. The little girl was shocked and the mom of the little boy didn’t say anything just left. Oh I was hot!

[@someonewhosings]

You are a role-model

[@Rock-kp6dt]

You are a great role model

[@emojisrule8048]

You are an amazing person.

[@kateg2115]

I’m a helicopter mom when it comes to safety. I’ll let them try and fail on a class project but not on evading some weirdo at the park. I’m all about letting them fail at age appropriate obstacles. I work in a profession where I see a lot of worst case scenario and a lot of parents who wish they had been more heliocopter. There is a huge difference between making sure they are safe and doing everything for them.

[@jsncreativeservices5847]

Kate G my child is on the spectrum so I have to helicopter a lot!

[@coribronicel4160]

My point of view exactly! Thanks for your comment!

[@aqueen13]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@omlette_leia6721]

"ALIENS IN PORTUGAL!!!"

[@JustAnother777]

Does any body think Alain’s are real I do

[@nightstormshark4684]

OMG 😱

[@selahsayssingsanddoes9640]

mabye but why havnt we found eachother yet

[@madelinecreates8825]

gamersquad YT I don’t really know. I don’t think they are in Area 51 but they could exist I’m not sure 😂

[@aqueen13]

I totally agree that a stranger yelling at a kid is more effective and I really related to your need to correct unsafe behavior. With all the freaky stories on the news these days I also would have followed my kid to the park 😉

[@WiseOne.]

Ehhh. As a child I hated that and didn’t even pay attention. And totally ignored it. And as I parent I can’t stand it... leave my child alone. I’m the parent not you... go away: I can’t even stand when my MIL and mother, parent my children.

[@aqueen13]

@@WiseOne. it’s been a year since I saw this video but seeing my own comment I am thinking “that’s only half an idea.” My opinion is much more complicated, as it is for most people. In most situations parents should be the ones reprimanding their kids while others should likely butt out... on the other hand hearing from a non-parent figure that something isn’t right is so important to reinforce what a parent teaches. I also think that having a grumpy neighbor helps kids learn to think about their actions in the neighborhood (in public), which is also good. There’s a time and place for almost everything. As a side note, a MIL taking over in the parenting side of things is extremely frustrating, but it’s very different then a neighbor laying down some expectations as all the kids on the block are playing in their yard. With so many potential situations it’s hard to lump them together as a black and white thing. My oldest is 12, and over the years I’ve learned to appreciate the reinforcement of good behavior from others (even though their intrusion used to bug me).

[@mplwy]

Yeah, we had freedom in the 80s but we were also taught caution and stranger danger. We heard about kids drowning in the creek in earlier years or kids in other areas getting kidnapped. What happened to that?! I've definitely told my kids!

[@thomasrossi1269]

Kim: “I don’t discipline other people’s ki- well there was that one time...”

[@jerribelkin5565]

Haha

[@selahsayssingsanddoes9640]

haha

[@dagman85]

I loved Penn's expression during that whole moment.

[@mickidee6714]

Oh my goodness, Kim! I'm with ya. And my husband is like Penn. Between the 2 of us, our kids should grow up relatively normally disfunctional. And that's a plus 😜👍

[@cameronjournal]

This is so typical of mothers and fathers. Mom will look after every tiny detail and make sure that the kids are always safe. Dads are like, "are you dying? Is there blood? You'll be fine."

[@mra57]

To the helicopter parent: You seem to be sitting right on the EDGE of the couch. PLEASE be careful!!!

[@stormyeffects4795]

The goal is to prepare children to protect themselves and be safe on their own so that when you are not there they know what to do. But do not throw them off into the deep end.

[@aqueen13]

So true.

[@jellybellyrigatoni3031]

OMG! I always helicopter parent other kids when they're doing something dangerous or obnoxious. I don't even realize I'm doing it. I get you Kim!

[@carriemcclung7374]

OMGoodness, yes. I'm torn between helicopter and free4all. I so want my kids to grow up more independent. I don't like having to hover. But you know, there are those who are helicoptering other parents. Can we talk about trigger happy people who are simply LOOKING to call CPS on someone? I don't mean ppl who remind my kids to be safe. I mean those who can't wait to shoot another parent! My kids are each respectively a year younger than yours. (That seems to be the only difference, for real!) And I'm afraid to let them go to the park alone for 2 reasons: 1. Aliens in Portugal (aka sex offenders) and 2. Having to defend myself to some stranger who has made it their business to accuse me of not helicoptering enough. Sigh* feels like a catch 22.

[@aqueen13]

Most things are best in moderation, so that is probably the case with parenting too. Kids need freedom but the level they need is continually shifting as they get older. They need us front and center as babies and it gradually lessens as they learn more independence and grow up. At least that’s the goal. I think giving reminders to be safe is great as kids grow up and try new things. On the other hand, I don’t appreciate the people who constantly call cps on parents for being free range style or for kids experiencing some independence. People like that have made me more cautious too. Thanks for bringing this point up!

[@laurieg.1413]

I love that you can both laugh at these situations! Kim, I was a single parent having a latchkey child ( working while she travelled to and from school) My neighbour's helped relieve my stress by offering an open door policy if she needed anything. ( helps when there are more people watching out for your children) All the best, these are dangerous times.

[@amilaynewolstoncroft5751]

No one: Absolutely no person: Penn: ALIENS IN PORTUGAL

[@kaitlyng9520]

Omg I love this 😂 it’s hillarious

[@oceangrownkae]

And The EMMY goes To .... 💌 The Holderness’

[@samanthamcnichol5257]

I’m doing the best I can I’m doing the best I can

[@joshgroeneveld3548]

I agree with Penn, there are times when being completely aware of what is happening with your child and how to ensure their safety is needed. Also there are times when there are things they have to learn because it’s part of being a kid and learning on their own which means you just have to let them experience it. Being in many casts, ambulances and ERs I can say that I did learn a great deal. Not to mention I have awesome scars to prove it.

[@esalmond2286]

For you, who is a mom who has children in the public eye, I think it's fantastic that you are extra diligent. "Fans" can be crazy. Keep your family safe.

[@Hans_Niemand]

This just in from headquarters in Lisbon, "Gort! Klaatu Barada Nikto!"

[@jislam007]

Doing each other's voices is hilarious. Please don't stop.

[@shannonvuksanic2579]

I was super helicopter parent to my oldest 2 boys who are biologically my nephews I’ve had custody of since I was 17. Unfortunately by being a super helicopter parent it made my nephews terrified of everything and and now they are 19 and 21 and they are afraid to even get there license or try to learn how to drive or even ride a bike! So with my youngest 2 kids who are biologically mine I’ve tried to really ease up but not to the free range parenting extreme, just kinda in the middle of the 2. I think a big part of it was that I was not emotionally equipped to be a parent at 17 but they needed or they would’ve been placed in foster homes and back then in the 90’s a lot of foster homes were not great or safe places. I did the best I could and they are still alive so I count that as a win, they might need therapy down the line but at least they are alive to get that therapy...lol.

[@Country_Girl63]

Thank you for taking on your nephews to raise!! What a beautiful, loving, & selfless gesture.

[@carriemcclung7374]

Shannon Vuksanic way to step up and love them! That makes you a hero!

[@loverofthewordofgod4156]

Shannon Vuksanic you did great. And that were loved and yes, safe was very important.

[@EamonWill]

At least they're alive to get therapy. Hahaha, I think that's the funniest, truest statement I've ever heard about raising a kid!

[@MizBryteEyez]

I am so happy I had free range parents. The best part of my childhood.

[@mergurburger]

Seriously LOVED this!! I'd rather have a helicopter mom than some of the mom's out there that just ignore their kids and let them get into trouble. Great job Kim!

[@daycaremom13]

I think you balance each other quite nicely. I know how hard it is to let go Kim. No judgement here. I love your videos, I am so happy when I get a notification of your newest video!

[@sonjamarshall9119]

It’s good to be abit protective around children but it’s also good to be freestyle aswell so they can make there own mistakes. So on this one I can’t choose lol. I love watching ur videos cos they always make me laugh x

[@ocean.wxvess]

" *ALIENS* *IN* *PORTIGAL* "

[@johnglover3151]

I once mentioned to my wife that there is only one letter difference between the words mothering and smothering. Impressed and amused she was not, though I was pleased with myself.....

[@mincao8003]

very smart

[@gabbybrooks6004]

Lol

[@willow6049]

I am surprised she did not use that one letter difference on you while you were sleeping, 😂

[@aqueen13]

Nothing wrong with being the type of helicopter parents you explained here... safety first! The real helicopter parents are so focused on their kids never failing that they give their kids all the answers. Failure helps us grow.

[@tingandgang2069]

This is the biggest debate of the century! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ You guys made it funny, entertaining, and I love watching you guys! (I tend to binge watch you guys a lot.)

[@angelafink6029]

My friend and I still randomly say “I’m doin the best I can I’m doin the best I can I’m doin the best I can!” Cause we watched it together and it was soooooo funny! Love you guys!

[@amandahowell3853]

Kim if there are kids around when I'm out and about I whach all kids there have been times iv been at a doctor or store and someone else's baby trip and fall and I sall it and cought and stoped them from falling and hurting themself befor there parents eaven notest

[@md071112]

I’m definitely a Kim, without a doubt! 😂😂 I’m nowhere close to being a mom but I can be a helicopter aunt and as a friend.

[@TheSuzberry]

I love this. I was the helicopter mom and he was the free range dad. When asked “Mom, may I -“ my answer was always, “No, but I’ll talk to dad.” I thought this was the best of both worlds. Wonder what our daughter thought?

[@mickidee6714]

I'm with Kim on this one!! LOL And I'd love another neighborhood "heli-mom-ster" keeping an eye on my kids when I'm not around! (which never happens, because.....*propeller blades sound* ✈️

[@eviegproductions4058]

Holderness family, I'm younger than Lola, and I can walk my dog ALL by MYSELF! And my mom dosent worie!

[@shandassmiles4802]

I'm just like Kim! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 😂

[@sabrinalavallo1064]

Haha! "Kids! Your PREGNANT mother and I are going to have martinis." Wow. "Go to the interstate and get MCdonald's Drive through. 75 cents should be enough." It's funny because it is true. How times have changed! And McDonalds, in my opinion is horrible and unhealthy.

[@Shreks_Mistress_101]

My parents are the same, one ☝️ time my dad let my brother have chips and sprinkles for breakfast because he doesn’t now how to put stuff in the toaster. My mom got mad 😠 at my dad because of that

[@Gvargas02]

My husband is a free range parent. When I leave the kids with my husband, they are like sheep without a shepherd lol

[@bluubreezes]

Um... Penn was in the add for this video! Lol

[@MomtoaFullHouse]

In our relationship, I am the free range parent and my husband is the helicopter parent (to be fair, he wants ME to helicopter). It's not to say that I don't worry about my kids when they are off doing things on their own, it's just that I realize the need for them to have that independence and their ability to make good choices. They also have cell phones. :) I don't know how parents were comfortable sending their kids off into the big wide world, back in the day, without a way of contacting them! LOL

[@johnsonfamilyvidsvlogs3745]

I know it's hard sweety. My oldest is 25 and I still worry about her. My middle was the most adventurous. Fortunately he was usually with friends. They had to check in. My 15 year old has a phone so he can check in. Times change. My Mom made sure I had a dime for the pay ☎ phone.

[@willowanderson2588]

My mom is like Kim at times like if my mom sees a kid doing something unsafe she will talk to them

[@jkmakeupmaster1438]

my parents are neither, they're backpack parents, right there for you when you need the tools. but you can do whatever you want

[@eileenwelter90]

I swear this was a conversation between my husband and I... I am def a level 5 clinger helicopter mom.

[@denverklick1115]

I can relate my wife wouldn't even let our oldest use glass plates until she was 16 lol and i let them know where the bandages are just in case they stick a finger in the light socket lol. All jokes aside she is a great mom.

[@mariefritz1]

I guess I'm a mixture of both lol. Like I helicopter sometimes example my son's 8 he not play out front without a adult. He doesn't have siblings and there's not a lot of kids around us and I don't trust people lol. I'm scared someone will drive by and snatch him. But on the other hand I do give him freedom in other ways

[@lydiasmom]

Kim and I must share the same spirit animal-I have done everything she has done:P And I also realize I need to hover higher lol. But I believe in the old adage that it takes a village, and I'm doing my part!

[@mplwy]

Hey, if parents aren't around or not caring, village raise those kids!

[@Haley497]

As a native Portuguese living and parenting in Portugal, trust me: no aliens. Fake news guys. Don't I wish though!!! (Team free range with a hint of light hovering) 😂👽

[@tracyholmes9078]

I was a free range parent with my daugther, who's now 30, but I'm a helicopter parent with my son who's....24. My daughter has always been more outgoing and street smart! My son, is a totally different story. ROFL

[@christinazgirlonfire2285]

Thank you for sharing so funny. Ok I “Mom” other kids all the time. If parents mom and dad their own it would be wonderful. I have watched parents leave a 5 year old at the park while mom was in the car hanging out with boyfriend 😢. Being part of a village is caring for others. Yes my husband is the best helicopter dad at Birthday parties. Yes not so low hovering but I would rather keep my kiddos safe. Lol blessed mom. 🤗😆

[@monsterpanda367]

I love y’all so much!!!!! You brighten my day!!!

[@kk-qc5bx]

When my kids were young and neighborhood kids would come over and misbehave or my own would misbehave, my husband would yell at them and send them home. Guess what? They were right back at our door the next day. Kids crave limits, whether they admit it or not. Not to worry, it's much easier to go free range as they get older and you trust your kids to be aware of all the dangers out there. You're both doing awesome!

[@stephiebella]

My husband and I always say that there is a reason kids have two parents.

[@evangelinealvarez2167]

My mom used to be like that but then I started riding my bike to school and she dropped It lol

[@Kitty-vu2mu]

429 view YAY!!! Imdoingthebesticanimdoingthebestican lol XD lol love the vid. XD

[@sydyeah5917]

4:00 the dog😂🐶❤️🐶

[@crystalcurrie2393]

I'm a free ranger mum. Unless they are in my kitchen lol. I love my electrical cooking items too much haha, then I'm a helicopter mum

[@EJofLA]

One of my favorite things about their videos is experiencing the palpable love they share for one another, whatever they are discussing.

[@sharonprykowski3508]

This was everything! I definitely can be on the helicopter side…. Kim how are you especially now with the pandemic?

[@mrm9678]

I got an ad you were in right before watching this lol

[@kraftingwithkizzie833]

As your kids get older and I'll be less and less follow copter and more and more free range. I'm a single mom and I have to be both at times.

[@froogyfruit0033]

While they were talking on the couch I was watching there dog in the back right the whole time!!! Like if you saw the dog 🐕

[@annem8152]

now I have to go re watch to see the dog.

[@Alliefrownie]

This is too relatable!

[@anaguerra638]

Love you guys! Your kids are great so clearly the different parenting styles you two share are working beautifully!

[@gypsybelle4757]

Y’all are a great team! And no Portuguese aliens 👽 will ever harass your kids. 😉👍

[@PhilsFamily]

Hehehe. much like everything it takes a balance, and I love that the two of you can find that balance. Oof! I told off a little boy at a store once. kiddo and i were together and I looked over and saw him dragging his sister by the arm down an Aisle. Dad mode kicked in and I started doing what Kim did. "Stop dragging your sister like that! Where's your mother? I bet you wouldn't like someone doing that to you, would you?! No I didn't think so. Now go tell your mother what you did!" my kiddo was a bit mortified lol.

[@edenouellette3833]

The background with the chickens really adds character 😂😂😂

[@debbiemorrow9721]

Omgosh! Leaving doors unlocked/windows...my husband and I announce almost every night - I've made sure our family is safe AGAIN (locking everything) lol My husband is a very free for all sometimes - until he was made aware of things in our town via me texting. We did not let our daughter have any babysitter, other than family until my daughter was about 10 or 11. LOL No sleepovers except at our house. My daughter now in college, does appreciate us keeping her safe. I started to let go and far less hovering from 10th grade on. Hard, but it had to happen. At 17, our daughter got an internship the other side of the country. My husband/I both freaked in our own way, but we let her fly solo, and do her thing the summer after HS graduation. Best thing for us all. She is now - more independent/responsible than ever- which means we did our job right. Every kid is different. Some need more hovering, while others don't. Happy parenting!

[@tiff7217]

Child trafficking is everywhere, I stress til my son gets home from school

[@jessesantana2320]

My mom is just like u Kim!!!🤣

[@annem8152]

when my son was 12, he came to me (not for the first time) and asked to walk to the store alone. I thought for a minute...then said yes. He was astounded. I kid you not-- I prayed the entire time he was gone because I was so scared he would be abducted. The store is about 6 blocks away.

[@LR-rl7do]

I love you all so darn much!!!Thank you so very much for your music and your incredibly funny sweet shows and I truly hope and pray that you all and all you out there are blessed and happy always!!!!❤🌼🌈🦋⚘🏵🌺🌻🌹🥀🧚‍♂️💗👍❤

[@MkatSims]

My parents are definitely more free-range. I've been walking home from school alone since I was seven (granted, the school is close to my house and in a residential area), I bike to friend's houses all the time, go on really long walks by myself, etc. It's funny because I'm close to Lola's age. I have friends who have helicopter parents, but I also have friends who have parents who are way more free-range than mine.

[@brittanyhernandez191]

Oh my I love you guys

[@wencireone]

Kim your a great mother, that's what moms do 👍

[@johnyoung5820]

I love you, guys! My wife will come into my office and suggest that I should, perhaps, be grading papers (I'm a college professor) when she catches me watching your videos in lieu of, ya know, doing my job. I think it's the giggling that gives it away. In fact, she wandered in and caught me writing this, and yes, I'll get back to grading in just a moment, but she agreed with what I was going to say, so... did I mention I have ADD, too? Anyway... Kim, YOU'RE KILLING ME! The helicopter and lawn mower parents of Gen Z have made a generation of kids who are unable to think critically, problem-solve, and who mistake perceived effort as the criterion for success. I can't tell you how many students whine about their grades because, in their opinion, they "tried really hard." I even have kids who admit their parents helped them with their assignments, and these are college juniors! As a Gen Xer, I'm not saying our parents were perfect, but there's something to be said about the personal and intellectual competence gained through what we now call "free-range parenting," or just plain ol' normal parenting of yore. Kids learn and grow through experience and, yes, failure. Mamas, ya gotta let go of your babies, even if it means the occasional trip to the ER. P.S. Sorry for the lecture; it's what I do.

[@ADDAuntDawnDisorder]

OMG!!! That was my parents in the 70’s! Bahahaha!!! Smoking, drinking with friends & we stayed out until dinner time & they had NO CLUE where we were! Bahahaha!!!

[@bradg1440]

Seems like Dads are usually the "fun" ones and Moms are usually the "responsible" ones. Kids need both! That's another big difference between men and women! Both are equally important to civilization!!!

[@stephenblackstone4619]

I'm 66 years old, we ate dirt, rolled in and were ABSOLUTELY CAKED WITH MUD, we were gone on our bikes from morning till night. I am sad that kids now D don't have the freedoms we did have. They can't have that freedom because of the days we live in now. It's horrible that to protect children, you almost have to DESTROY their childhood. My childhood was awesome, I wish children now could experience some of the freedom we had without their parent's fearing they might be abducted, or have some other horrible circumstance happen to them. Thank you, Penn and Kim, for handling this very charged, anxiety riddled happenings, with humor and gentleness, diffusing the power of the feelings.

[@rdgreeley]

It’s hard to pick a favorite video…BUT this is it. As a teacher, it’s impossible not to “playground monitor” at parks for me. My friend actually turned me away from the play set and said, “You’re not at school!” So hard to stop! Cute boots.

[@helterskelter4every1]

Today’s parents: “kids, go play outside! I’m going to sit here and drink wine, smoke weed and watch Netflix on the couch, so don’t bother me for the next hour…. Maybe more… depending on the weed…or the wine” 😂😂🤣🤣

[@donnahampton3632]

I read a book for parents of teenagers. It says parents are the LAW, and grandparents are the GRACE. That's a fun part of becoming grandparents. I thought about all our parents, and they didn't make the switch to GRACE. Our kids are surrounded by LAW everywhere they go!

[@hannahmore9118]

I raised my kids out in the mountains on 10 acres, nearest neighbor was 2 miles away. Our mailbow was 5 miles away. Perfect situation to appear free range(go run around the property 3 times!), while actually being safe from traffic or bad guys. Also, as your kids grow the hovering should naturally lessen. It takes about 30 years!

[@randomspirit]

Keep flying that helicopter! Do whatever it takes to keep your children safe. Seriously. My 14 yr. old daughter was abducted by a 33 year old felon, right out of my yard. The cops were worthless so her dad and I went all vigilante parent and hunted them down. We got her back, but not before damage was done. So Kim, keep hovering.

[@marthaw7664]

Omg that was my mother-in-law 😂😂😂6kids..7 martini s a day , pack of cigs…😂😂😂

[@shelbyewebb9040]

You're not as much as a helicopter parent as you think Kim. My parents won't let me bike ride unless they go with me. They watch me ALL THE TIME.

[@shelbyewebb9040]

You're not as much as a helicopter parent as you think Kim. My parents won't let me bike ride unless they go with me. They watch me ALL THE TIME.

[@bandithollis2]

The more overprotective parent I feel like is my dad

[@tammyjohnson7401]

In 1969 I was 9. My parents totally by myself let me go collect money door to door. I was going in homes as people gave me money for MS for Boys Brigade I never thought bad and I had great folks. Parents would never do that now a days. I also use to leave house by 11 am just had to return by one for lunch we called it mom's head count 3 kids total and then out again until 430 for 5 o'clock dinner. Good times good times

[@catheriam1945]

Grade school age children slumoed listllessly with nfeet dangling IN a Marshall's buggy on her cell phone, while Mom is pushing the cart. Almost bit through my llip. My helicoper blades where whirling, but I stayed calm, I brought myself down to earth and I just let. it. the F bomb go.

[@juliebaergen6580]

Kim, this doesn’t change. My 37 year old son has moved back home after a divorce…omg, Helicopter Mom appeared after a week of him being here. I can’t help it.

[@rubymack4914]

Kim is me 😅😂 But I'm a bit more laid back,Not an insult towards Kim,Just saying I'm a bit more laid back like Penn,

[@katiewalsh9335]

Oh, and I tell other kids what's what too if they are being ridiculous! I love how they get all awkward cause you're a stranger and they don't really know what to do with it, but you're an adult so....maybe they should listen...but you're also a stranger.......lol!

[@chillybunny12]

I disagree with Kim's Lola chase on the bike. My mom and dad let me go to the park alone, and im younger than Lola. (As stated in the video, she was 11) but, I do firmly go with at least one friend, sometimes more, or my brother and other people. My mom is like Kim, but my dad is Penn 100%.

[@Vir2ousWarrior]

I am the same way. And yes I do tend to "assist or try to "guide"" other peoples children if I feel they're in a dangerous situation, like when I'm at the grocery store & see a small child by themselves I'll child ask where's your parent, go find you mom" & yes I do yell & hover over the children at church, it's my job there but even if it wasn't I'm sure I'd do it anyway. I know I'd want someone looking out for my babies if I was occupied. It's like we say at church, "It takes a village." & it truly does. What do u guys think?

[@soulman71901]

My mom would let me play at the neighbors house. But, she had an unique way of letting me know it was time to come home. A compressed air-horn can is a real attention grabber and it could be heard well over a mile away. She nicked named it "The Charles-Caller".......

[@mnshamrock3389]

My daughter (14) will tell you that I was, and still am, the mean mom, but in a good way. When kids are misbehaving and their parents are either not around or not doing their job, I will speak up. The kids on the bike, I'd probably only say something if I knew them, but kids at the park knocking over little kids or throwing wood chips...oh no no no! I'm not a helicopter parent by any means, but I am a parent that pays attention and makes sure no one is being a jerk.