I live on an island in Maine where kids still get to be kids. They play unsupervised, and the community looks after them.

When I moved to North Haven Island two decades ago to be the music teacher at Maine's smallest K-12 public school, I had no clear picture of the students I would encounter. I imagined island kids might be rugged outdoors types, aspiring artists, or urbanites longing for a taste of adventure. However, I discovered a diverse student body unified by a remarkable characteristic: their parents trusted them to explore the outdoors independently.

This trust extended beyond mere belief in their children’s abilities. Parents on the island felt secure allowing their kids to play freely, ride bikes, and visit community spots without fear of legal repercussions for letting them roam. Over the past decade, as I became a parent myself, I've observed a national debate over children's autonomy, where fear of potential harm seems to have shifted towards a fear of legal consequences for parents. This context is starkly different from the understanding fostered in our North Haven community.

Here, children can be seen biking to school or hanging out with friends without adult supervision, a normal part of life that is accepted rather than scrutinized. No one questions the safety of a group of kids enjoying their time together, nor do they monitor the distances traveled or the means of arrival. The community values the independence and responsibilities that kids are given, reflecting a shared belief in the benefits of outdoor play and self-sufficiency.

As a parent myself, I was uncertain if I would embrace these values as my child grew. However, my daughter has thrived in this environment, taking part in activities with her friends and independently riding her bike around the neighborhood. This gradual increase in her responsibilities—beginning from being a mother's helper to staying home alone—has been a rewarding journey for both of us, affirming my belief in fostering independence.

While our island benefits from a fortunate combination of safety and community support, the critical factor in my decision to grant my child freedom is the expectation that any adult who encounters her in the community will prioritize her well-being, contacting me if there are concerns rather than involving authorities. If more parents and communities adopt this mindset, we may empower more children to gain confidence and independence by navigating their environments.