I would argue that most folks don't make decisions on how they parent based on their concerns as to how "others" may perceive them, as some have claimed here. Most parents who are considered "overprotective" are so because they fear for the safety of their children. Whether that concern is based upon their children's ability to make sound decisions, or because the parents are afraid of environmental dangers and/or predators, they fear for their children's safety and make their decisions accordingly. Furthermore, there is a great deal of validity in the argument that "things aren't the same as they were when we grew up." The neighborhood community of our youth is no longer in most parts of the country; we are more disconnected, more isolated and as such, most of us cannot rely on the "it takes a village" ideology to protect our kids. Everyone has to make their own decisions for their own family and their own community as to what they think is a sound and reasonable choice for what is and what is not safe for their kids; no other parents can make that decision or judge that decision from the periphery. As for us, we err on the side of caution, but we've always been the "there's always time for safety" kind of folks, and I am married to an Eagle Scout.