Yes, parents are overly cautious today. A lot of that stems from the fear of not being "politically correct" in front of others. I don't make my children wear bike helmets around the yard, but you better believe that I do when they are out on a public trail. There is no way on this green earth I would let my nine year old run around New York City by himself. Aside from the fact that I would be petrified that some social service group would take him away from me, the chances of a mishap while he's out there alone are simply too great. Kids should be allowed to jump, run, and play without pads all over their bodies. They should be allowed to hang upside-side down on bars and pretend they are Olympic stars climbing fences and leaping ditches. They should not be given adult responsibilities and expected to fend for themselves at such a young age.