Two Maryland parents are being investigated for child neglect after neighbors have noticed they let their two young children wander the neighborhood alone, USA Today reported on Thursday.
The Meitiv family, in many other ways, is very old-school. Their kids have fixed bedtimes, limited television exposure, do chores and the family eats dinner together. They say outrage over letting their children walk around without parental supervision is unfairly placed.
"I grew up in New York City in the 70s and nobody hesitated to let their kids walk around. The only thing that's changed between then and now is our fear," said mother Danielle Meitiv.
Rafi Meitiv, 10, and Dvora Meitiv, 6, know how to keep themselves safe when they're alone, she said.
"They're very proud of their independence. They understand that they need to hold hands when they cross the street, they need to look both ways, make sure the light is with them," Danielle Meitiv said.
But Child Protective Services and the police were called during two walks home from parks; one a mile away and the other two blocks.
Sasha and Danielle Meitiv said their children were questioned at school without their permission.
"They were asking my son Rafi what he would do if he was grabbed by a stranger. Telling them, 'you know there are creeps out there that are just waiting to grab children if they're walking by themselves,'" Sasha Meitiv, the child's father, said, according to WUSA 9.
In Maryland, children under eight aren't legally allowed to be unattended in a car or dwelling, but the law doesn't reference outdoor activities.
