I am Danish and traveled to America last year. My biggest culture shock (other than the giant cars everywhere) was how parents treated their children. I spent a long time on campgrounds all around California, and every single parent I met seemed crazy afraid of letting their children roam and have fun. Some even put leashes on their kids (!!!).

As a gen-x person who grew up in a much more free-range parenting environment, I agree.

Helicopter parenting does no favors to the kids.

Growing up in the 80's, I remember summers of just going out the door in the morning and coming back when I was hungry or when the sun was setting. It was a great way to grow up.