Top signs of children being independent - including walking to school on their own

dailystar.co.uk:

Both parents and children agree that the top signs of a child being given independence include having chores, walking to school without a parent or guardian – and being responsible for remembering to do their homework.Being allowed to stay the night away from home, getting public transport without a parent or guardian, and making their own meals, are other common indicators that make both parents and children feel as if the younger generation are growing up.And one in five parents (21%) feel the top sign of independence is their children expressing their own opinions on things – while youngsters rank being able to join social media highly on the list.The poll of 750 parents, and their 6-16-year-old children, found that the older generation feel their kids should be given independence from the age of 12.Parents also see financial freedom as an important part of this – with three in ten (29%) thinking their child should be able to choose how they spend and save their own money.And one in four also rate getting a part-time job, and having a spending card instead of cash, in the top 20 signs of independence.But with a new school year approaching, and many youngsters set to start secondary school, one in six parents (16%) are worried about “letting go” and giving them more freedom.Will Carmichael, CEO of NatWest Rooster Money, which commissioned the research, said: “Money is such an important part of our lives as adults, so it’s essential families are empowered to help kids get to grips with it early.“And clearly parents are on board with that, with 37% wanting to play an active role in helping their children develop their sense of independence.“Our survey has also shown that creating the right framework to empower kids to.