My folks understood that kids are resilient, and I am thankful for the freedom that allowed.
Once in Yosemite in the late 60's when we would go as a family to climb and work (my folks) and me to play, this story happened.
I was playing on the rocks, running up, tumbling down (about 4 years old), and generally out of control.
A woman was sitting next to my mom, just watching me with fear and amazement as I did various activities she obviously deemed dangerous.
My mom noticed the woman, but ignored her. She concentrated on her knitting for about 15 minutes, and could feel the womans tension build, until finally:
"I can't believe it!" the woman shouted, " I have been sitting here for the last 15 minutes watching this child run around, out of control, with no sign of his mother even caring if anything happens!"
She turned to my mom, who happened to look very young for a 24- year old, and said: "Do you know whose child this is?!?"
Very quietly she said, "He's mine."
The woman left in a huff, certainly sure of her being an irresponsible "young" mother.
Thanks, Mom.