Why I Let My Kids Roam Free in Switzerland After Moving From the US

May 8, 2026 - 22:17

When I first moved to Switzerland from the United States, I was shocked to see young children walking to school alone, taking public transportation, and playing in parks without a parent in sight. In America, the idea of letting a seven-year-old walk several blocks unsupervised would have raised eyebrows and maybe even prompted a call to child services. But here in Switzerland, it is completely normal.

At first, I resisted. My American instincts screamed danger. But over time, I noticed something remarkable about Swiss children. They were confident, capable, and comfortable navigating their world without constant adult supervision. So I decided to try it with my own kids.

The change was not immediate. I started small, letting my oldest walk to a friend's house two streets away. Then came the bus ride to school. Each step required me to swallow my anxiety. But watching my children handle small problems on their own, like crossing a busy street or asking for directions, showed me they were more capable than I had given them credit for.

Now, years later, I see the payoff. My kids are independent thinkers who trust their own judgment. They know how to manage their time, solve minor conflicts, and take responsibility for themselves. Letting them roam free did not just build their confidence. It rebuilt mine too.