absolutely agree!

Carolyn,

*Yes!* This is exactly what I meant when I said cognitive abilities (development) haven't changed since we were kids ... the grape example you use, and the others. Although I do think you and I may differ on how much responsibility/independence/etc. is appropriate when and how safe the world (well, U.S.) today is relative to other points in time, I think we (and everyone else who has posted here) is in agreement that what was described is more than it is reasonable to expect an 11-year old to manage (and moreover that the parents are not thinking through obvious things they need to do anyway, like make a phone available).

Best wishes,
Alex