Stapleton residents are very concerned the example parents Holly and Jamey Parker are setting with their child Asher could catch on. Recently, Jamey and Holly decided that Asher is old enough to walk one block by himself and play with other kids at the park with several parents around. “We used to ride our bikes all over the city, and not come home till the street lights came on,” said Jamey. “And I grew up in East St. Louis.” Wife Holly is slightly more hesitant, but agrees with Jamey. “While I still want to make sure he checks in every half hour, I think we need to give him some space to learn on his own.” Other parents in the community do not agree. “Children should never be alone,” said resident Laura Clark. “Ever.” The controversy has sparked impromptu signs to be placed at parks covering up the “keep dogs on leash” signs. Signs have said things ranging from, “please do not leave child at park alone, you delinquent!” to “if you see an unsupervised child, please call social services and the police department immediately.” Residents against unsupervised children at parks hope these signs will stop the problem before it gets momentum. “We love our community,” says Jamey, “but we need to raise our child how we see fit and not how the loud voices of this community see fit.” It is too early to tell if this radical concept gets any momentum.]]>