Free-range parenting law eyed around US after Utah gets buzz

By Lindsay Whitehurst Associated Press
Tuesday, April 10, 2018 12:45 AM
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Caleb Coulter, 10, left, and his sister Kendra, 12, play tag during a visit to the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Critics say letting children strike out on their own can expose them to serious dangers. But lawmakers and advocates in several states say the protective pendulum has swung too far. They want to send a message that parents who raise their children in a healthy environment can grant them more freedom. Amy Coulter, mother of Caleb and Kendra, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, right, and her husband Mark, second left, play with their children at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. After Utah passed the country's first law legalizing so-called free-range parenting, groups from New York to Texas are pushing for similar steps to bolster the idea that supporters say is an antidote for anxiety-plagued parents and overscheduled children. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, center, and her husband Mark, left, play with their children at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. After Utah passed the country's first law legalizing so-called free-range parenting, groups from New York to Texas are pushing for similar steps to bolster the idea that supporters say is an antidote for anxiety-plagued parents and overscheduled children. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, left, and her daughter April, 7, talk, while playing at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Critics say letting children strike out on their own can expose them to serious dangers. But lawmakers and advocates in several states say the protective pendulum has swung too far. They want to send a message that parents who raise their children in a healthy environment can grant them more freedom. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, center right, and her husband Mark walk together with their children April, 7, left, and Kendra, 12, at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. After Utah passed the country's first law legalizing so-called free-range parenting, groups from New York to Texas are pushing for similar steps to bolster the idea that supporters say is an antidote for anxiety-plagued parents and overscheduled children. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press

Free-range parenting law eyed around US after Utah gets buzz

Ar 304109969
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Caleb Coulter, 10, left, and his sister Kendra, 12, play tag during a visit to the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Critics say letting children strike out on their own can expose them to serious dangers. But lawmakers and advocates in several states say the protective pendulum has swung too far. They want to send a message that parents who raise their children in a healthy environment can grant them more freedom. Amy Coulter, mother of Caleb and Kendra, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Ep 304109969
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, right, and her husband Mark, second left, play with their children at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. After Utah passed the country's first law legalizing so-called free-range parenting, groups from New York to Texas are pushing for similar steps to bolster the idea that supporters say is an antidote for anxiety-plagued parents and overscheduled children. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Ep 304109969
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, center, and her husband Mark, left, play with their children at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. After Utah passed the country's first law legalizing so-called free-range parenting, groups from New York to Texas are pushing for similar steps to bolster the idea that supporters say is an antidote for anxiety-plagued parents and overscheduled children. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Ep 304109969
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, left, and her daughter April, 7, talk, while playing at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. Critics say letting children strike out on their own can expose them to serious dangers. But lawmakers and advocates in several states say the protective pendulum has swung too far. They want to send a message that parents who raise their children in a healthy environment can grant them more freedom. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press
Ep 304109969
In this April 6, 2018, photo, Amy Coulter, center right, and her husband Mark walk together with their children April, 7, left, and Kendra, 12, at the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City. After Utah passed the country's first law legalizing so-called free-range parenting, groups from New York to Texas are pushing for similar steps to bolster the idea that supporters say is an antidote for anxiety-plagued parents and overscheduled children. Amy Coulter, a stay-at-home Utah mother, said she doesn't call herself a free-range parent. But she does avoid intervening with teachers on her older children's grades and encourages her children to use their own money to buy things at the grocery store. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The Associated Press