One of the worst aspects is that in many localities, once the cops have been called, the whole process has to happen and is unstoppable. Child Protective Services has to investigate not only the babysitter but the parents, and better find that they are not only angels, but also entirely average and unremarkable. The least whiff of anything out of the ordinary, there will be Hell to pay. Because we can’t be too protective of the children! The situation can be totally innocent and unremarkable, but once The Authorities are involved, they have to find something.
I’m extremely fortunate to have been born to privilege. I was pretty free-range with my daughter, at least by the standards of her peers. Once, as a college kid, she said to my wife and me, “I can’t believe the stuff you let me do!” I shudder to think what CPS would have made of it. (Letting a 16-year-old girl lead a hike in a wilderness area???)
