Eight fascinating facts about playground swings

by Casey Cartwright
Contributing Writer

Playground swings have remained one of the most recognizable features of parks and schoolyards for generations. Children eagerly line up for a turn because swinging combines excitement, movement, and imagination in a simple activity. Communities continue to invest in quality playground equipment because outdoor recreation strengthens neighborhoods and supports healthy childhood development.

The history and benefits of playground swings reveal why they continue to hold an important place in public spaces across Illinois and beyond. Explore eight fascinating facts about playground swings and why kids and adults cherish these windy moments.

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Julian Jimenez Martinez/PEXELS

Swings have been a childhood favorite since the beginning of civilization. Neighborhood parks are excellent gathering places where families build lasting relationships.

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1. Swings Have Entertained Children for Thousands of Years

The concept of swinging dates back much farther than many people realize. Archaeological discoveries and historical records suggest that early forms of swings appeared in ancient civilizations, including Greece. While early versions served ceremonial purposes in some cultures, children quickly embraced them as a source of recreation. Over time, swings evolved into familiar playground equipment found in schools, parks, and neighborhoods around the world.

Modern playground swings feature stronger materials and improved engineering than their historical counterparts. Steel frames, durable chains, and weather-resistant seats provide greater longevity and safety than earlier wooden designs. Manufacturers continue refining swing systems to improve accessibility and durability. These advancements allow today’s playgrounds to welcome larger numbers of visitors throughout the year.

2. Swinging Supports Physical Development

Swinging may look simple, but it activates several important muscle groups at once. Children strengthen their legs, core muscles, arms, and balance while learning to coordinate body movements. Pumping a swing also develops timing and rhythm as children discover how body position influences motion. These physical skills often transfer into sports and other recreational activities.

Regular outdoor play also encourages healthy movement habits during childhood. Time spent climbing, swinging, running, and exploring offers valuable alternatives to extended screen time. Physical activity supports cardiovascular health while helping children develop endurance and coordination. Playground visits often become an enjoyable part of a family’s weekly routine.

3. Swings Benefit Emotional Well-Being

Many parents notice that children often leave the playground happier than when they arrived. The smooth, repetitive motion of swinging creates a calming experience that helps many children relax and focus. Outdoor play also reduces stress while providing opportunities to enjoy fresh air and natural surroundings. These emotional benefits contribute to overall childhood wellness.

Swinging also builds confidence as children master new skills. Learning how to pump independently or safely jump from a swing creates a sense of accomplishment. Small achievements encourage children to continue challenging themselves in healthy ways. Confidence developed through play often extends into school, sports, and social situations.

4. Modern Designs Welcome More Children

Today’s playground designers place greater emphasis on accessibility than previous generations. Inclusive swing seats provide opportunities for children with varying physical abilities to enjoy the same recreational experiences as their peers. Accessible playground planning also considers pathways, surfacing materials, and surrounding amenities. These thoughtful improvements help more families participate together.

Communities increasingly recognize that inclusive recreation benefits everyone. Children learn empathy and cooperation when they play alongside peers with different abilities. Families also appreciate parks that welcome every child without unnecessary barriers. Inclusive design reflects broader community values centered on participation and belonging.

5. Safety Standards Continue To Improve

Playground safety has advanced significantly during the past several decades. Manufacturers follow detailed standards regarding equipment construction, spacing, fall zones, and protective surfacing. Regular inspections also identify maintenance needs before small issues become larger safety concerns. These practices create safer environments for children while giving parents greater peace of mind.

Parents and caregivers still play an important role during playground visits. Active supervision allows adults to encourage safe behavior while helping younger children navigate equipment appropriately. Simple reminders about taking turns and using swings correctly reduce unnecessary risks. Combining quality equipment with attentive supervision creates the safest experience possible.

6. Swings Bring Communities Together

Neighborhood parks are excellent gathering places where families build lasting relationships. Children naturally interact while waiting for swings or inventing games together on the playground. Parents and grandparents frequently meet neighbors during these visits, creating stronger community connections. These everyday interactions contribute to friendlier and more welcoming neighborhoods.

Many planners also recognize that commercial playgrounds encourage active lifestyles by creating inviting destinations for families, schools, and community organizations. Well-designed playgrounds motivate children to spend more time outdoors while encouraging adults to participate in physical activity alongside them. These shared experiences strengthen individual health and community engagement. Public recreation spaces continue to play an important role in supporting active living.

7. Playground Swings Inspire Imaginative Play

Children rarely see a swing as just a seat hanging from chains. One moment it becomes a soaring airplane, and the next it transforms into a pirate ship crossing rough seas. Imaginative play encourages creativity while helping children develop storytelling and problem-solving skills. Open-ended recreation allows every child to create unique adventures.

Creative play also supports communication and cooperation. Friends invent games together while negotiating rules and sharing ideas throughout their time at the playground. These interactions strengthen social skills in a relaxed setting. Playgrounds remain valuable spaces where learning happens naturally through fun.

8. Small Maintenance Efforts Make a Big Difference

Even the strongest playground equipment requires regular care. Routine inspections help identify worn chains, loose hardware, damaged seats, or deteriorating surfacing before they become hazards. Parks departments that prioritize preventive maintenance often extend the life of their playground investments while reducing costly repairs. Consistent upkeep also keeps parks attractive for local families.

Communities can support these efforts by reporting damaged equipment promptly and respecting posted playground rules. Shared responsibility preserves public recreation spaces for future generations. Local volunteers sometimes assist with cleanup days that improve neighborhood parks. These cooperative efforts strengthen community pride while protecting valuable public resources.

What Makes Playground Swings So Enduring?

Several qualities explain why playground swings continue to remain popular across generations:

• They encourage active outdoor play.
• They support physical coordination and balance.
• They promote creativity and imaginative thinking.
• They provide calming sensory experiences.
• They create opportunities for social interaction.
• They welcome children across a wide range of ages.

Playground swings continue to offer far more than simple entertainment. They promote physical activity, encourage emotional well-being, strengthen social connections, and support imaginative play in ways few recreational activities can match. Communities that invest in safe, accessible playgrounds create valuable gathering spaces that benefit families for years to come. As neighborhoods continue to grow and evolve, the familiar playground swing will likely remain a fascinating symbol of childhood and community life.

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

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More that might interest you

Bright Beginnings Learning Center opening soon

While they don't expect to open their doors for a few months, owners Carolyn Jones and Nicole Uher are looking forward to welcoming students and families to their new preschool and daycare facility in St. Joseph. The two women, both with roots in the village, hope to open the Bright Beginnings Learning Center sometime this June.

Located at 501 Peters Dr. in St. Joseph, the owners plan to offer child care services for kids from six weeks old through age twelve. The duo are remodeling and working hard to prepare the facility for mandatory inspections by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the public health district and the State Fire Marshall. Uher expects the inspection and permit process to take 90 days.

"We will only be opening half of the building to start," said co-owner and director Nicole Uher, who has been working with Jones on the project for the past two years. "In this phase there will be four classrooms: one infant room ages six weeks through fourteen months, one toddler room ages fifteen months through three years, one preschool room ages three years through five years, and one after school/summer room for children ages five years through twelve years."

Uher says they will offer an after school program for children ages five through twelve.

"We will have one of our staff members walk over to St. Joseph Grade school and pick up the children in our program, then walk back with them to our facility," Uher said. "While in our care children will be able to complete homework, play games, and play outside on our playground all supervised by staff of course."

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"We believe children learn best through play and communication with their peers"

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Children enrolled at the school will also be allowed to attend our program on days out of school and during breaks in the spring and summer.

Uher had been licensed home child care provider for 5 years. She credits her start in the profession back to when she was a teen offering babysitting services.

Meanwhile her business partner, Jones, who was raised in St. Joseph, has been doing licensed home childcare for over 20 years.

"We looked all over Champaign county for the perfect place for our new adventure. There are tons of buildings out there, but it takes something special to run a daycare as there are many requirements by DCFS and Public Health that have to be followed," Uher said. "When we stumbled across this building on Peters Drive, we knew instantly it was meant to be as it was located in the perfect location near the schools.

"Also, it was built in a wonderful layout that is needed for our business."

Uher later learned that her grandfather farmed the land where the structure now stands.

"My Dad and Grandpa have since passed away so getting this land back in the family is very special to me," she explained. "(Considering) my Dad was also raised in St. Joe so it was on my list of places to consider."

It was quickly a no-brainer for the pair who made to make an offer to purchase the property.

"We first looked at this land in November of 2019. We made an offer fairly quick after, but it took about a year to get things settled as there were drainage issues that needed to be corrected before we could take ownership."

Once DCFS completes their inspection, Uher said they will make the final decision on how many children we are able to serve in each class. She anticipate having the capacity to provide services for 62 children in phase one of Bright Beginnings' operation.

The business, which is independently owned and operated, will accept CCRS and DCFS vouchers for families who qualify for their programs.

Bright Beginnings will follow a curriculum that is approved by Illinois Early Learning Standards. There will also be many play based activities.

"We believe children learn best through play and communication with their peers," Uher said.

The center is not taking applications or issuing guaranteed spots at this time. The owners plan to initiate that once they have secured all the permits needed to run as a licensed facility. In the mean time, Bright Beginning has created a wait list for parents interested in enrolling their kids. For more information concerning enrollment send an email to bblcstjoe@gmail.com.

Back-to-School: Safety tips for students riding the bus to school

Photo: Jean Woloszczyk/Unsplash

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Family Features - Another school year means millions of children across the United States will begin and end each day with a bus ride. The way many kids ride to school today, however, is the same as it was 25 years ago - in diesel school buses, which have been shown to be harmful to children's health, the community and the climate.

Investments are being made to clean up the nation's school bus fleet, like the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program, which will provide $5 billion over five years to help replace existing buses with low- and zero-emission models. One alternative energy source, propane, is an environmentally friendly and affordable option that can be implemented today to provide a better tomorrow for more students. The low-carbon emissions energy source is abundantly available and can work in tandem with other energy sources, including electric, to move the nation's school bus fleet further down the path to zero emissions and ensure every child has a safe, clean, healthy ride to school.

In addition to speaking to your children's school district officials about alternative school bus solutions, there are lessons parents can teach their children about how to remain safe before, during and after their daily trips on school buses. Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of Pupil Transportation.

Before the Bus Arrives

Ensure backpacks are packed securely so papers and other items don't scatter as the bus approaches.

Create a morning routine that puts kids at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. This helps avoid a last-minute rush, when safety lessons are easily forgotten, and ensures kids are safely in place for boarding.

Encourage children to wear bright, contrasting colors so they can be seen easier by drivers.

Instruct children to walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, advise them to stay out of the street, walk single-file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as possible.

Walk young children to the bus stop or encourage kids to walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.

If kids must cross a street, driveway or alley, remind them to stop and look both ways before crossing.

Verify the bus stop location offers good visibility for the bus driver; if changes are needed, talk with nearby homeowners or school district officials to implement changes. Never let kids wait in a house or car, where the driver may miss seeing them approach the bus.

Remind children the bus stop is not a playground. Balls or other toys can roll into the street and horseplay could result in someone falling into the path of oncoming traffic.

Instruct children to stay at least three steps away from the road and allow the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it.

On the Bus Ride

When boarding the bus, items can get bumped and dropped. Caution children that before picking anything up, they should talk to the driver and follow instructions to safely retrieve their possessions.

Teach safe riding habits: Stay seated with head, hands and feet inside at all times; keep bags and books out of the aisle and remain seated until the bus stops moving.

Instruct children to never throw things on the bus or out the windows and to never play with or block emergency exits.

Remind kids that loud noises are off limits so they don't distract the driver. That includes cellphones and other electronic devices; instruct children to put them on mute or use headphones.

Leaving the Bus

Remind children to look before stepping off the bus. If they must cross the street, teach them to do so in front of the bus by taking five big steps (approximately 10 feet) away from the front of the bus, looking up and waiting for the driver to signal it's safe.

For parents who meet their kids at the bus, eliminate the risk of your children darting across the street by waiting on the side of the street where they exit the bus.

Make the bus ride part of your daily "how was school?" discussion. Encourage kids to talk about the things they see and hear on the bus so you can discuss appropriate behaviors and, if necessary, report any concerns to school administrators.

Benefits of Propane Buses
Every day, 1.3 million children in the United States ride to school in 22,000 propane-powered school buses, which are currently in use by more than 1,000 school districts across 48 states. Alternative fuels, such as propane, offer multiple benefits for school districts and students alike because propane buses reduce harmful emissions, save money and provide a safer ride for students.

Student Health
Propane reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 94% compared to diesel and emits near-zero particulate matter emissions. Both emissions, which can be found in the cloud of smoke emitted from the tailpipes of diesel buses, are known triggers for asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, according to the EPA.

Reliability
Propane has a range of 400 miles and the performance needed to drive long distances without stopping to recharge or refuel.

Cost Savings
While propane and electric are both options for clean student transportation that also reduce the harm to air quality, the cost is not equal. On average, an electric school bus costs $375,000, meaning districts can purchase three propane-powered buses (which are only $6,000 more expensive than diesel buses) for the price of one electric bus. In fact, a study from the World LP Gas Association found the cost savings of getting rid of all diesel buses and replacing them with propane would save enough money to hire 23,000 teachers due to lower long-term fuel and maintenance costs.

Find more information and learn how to talk to school district officials about adopting clean school buses at BetterOurBuses.com.

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A letter from Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges

To the Residents of the Village of St. Joseph,

I wanted to give a brief update as to what the next two weeks may look like in the village.

We will continue to have the village office closed to the public this week and probably the following week. Staff will be in the office answering phones and handling all daily operations. Sewer payments can be made by phone, mail or dropped off at the village’s night deposit located next to the front door.

The public works department will also continue to operate as usual to keep the village running as smoothly as possible under these circumstances. Please avoid approaching the village workers and practice safe distancing.

If you have concerns, questions or emergency needs please contact the office during office hours. The office staff will notify the public works department or have someone contact you by phone.

The village parks will be closed. Enjoy the open space but avoid the playground and the restrooms will remain closed.

Please visit the village website for more information and changing schedules. We will do our best to keep you informed.

I want to thank our wonderful community for being the St. Joseph that I have always loved. Once again, I’m proud to say that this is my hometown and so very thankful to be able to serve my community as your Mayor.

As we make our way through these frightening and trying times continue to be patient with those around you. Continue to work together to help our community members and businesses. Help our local businesses during the shutdown and thereafter. Curbside services are being offered by the restaurants, grocery store and apothecary.

Please check on your neighbors especially our senior citizens and those with disabilities medical or otherwise.

Contact the village office if any of these citizens need help picking up groceries or prescriptions.

Just a few suggestions as we continue to practice safe distancing and staying home; go online and complete your census, read a good book, play board games with your children, take a walk or bike ride (the bike trail is open for business), contact the food bank or schools to help with their curbside services and most of all smile and wave at those you meet each day.

We will all need that bit of encouragement as we work our way through the next few days or weeks to come.

Thank you and God Bless.

Tami Fruhling-Voges, St. Joseph Village Mayor

Viewpoint |Single moms and the child care crisis in the U.S.

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Moms across the U.S. are sharing similar struggles, highlighting the systemic failures in family and child care policy. Stories from Sweden, Norway, Canada, and Portugal show alternatives where child care is affordable and supportive of parents.

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by Brea Harris
OtherWords

At three months old, my son was kicked out of his daycare.

I had spent my pregnancy navigating my city’s brutal child care landscape — posting on social media looking for nanny shares, adding my name to year-long waitlists, and wondering how I was going to pay the astronomical daycare fees.

So when I found this place, I felt a flood of relief. It was close to my job, half the cost of others in the area, and had a gold star recommendation from a friend of a friend. It seemed like a unicorn amidst daycares. It seemed like the perfect fit.

Yet less than a week after I returned to work, I received a call asking me to pick up my son because he was crying too much. The next day, same call. After a few days I was told “it was not a good fit.” I had until the end of the month.

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I quickly learned that I’m not alone. Almost every mom I know has a story like this.

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I had exhausted my PTO and depleted my savings in an attempt to offset the costs of my unpaid leave. I don’t have family nearby. I’m a single mom working in healthcare unable to work remotely or stay home full time. And I had no idea where I was going to send my three month old son during the day while I worked.

I sent out desperate pleas to mom groups in my area and eventually, through the power of the moms in my community, I found the daycare he now attends.

I love this daycare. However, it costs more than my rent — it puts a $1,600 deficit in my monthly budget. So with each passing month I fall further behind on car payments, student loans, utilities. And every day I field calls from debt collectors.

All of this is due to the cost of child care.

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It was moms that helped me secure a last minute daycare spot.

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When I started sharing my story with friends, coworkers, and random moms on the playground, I quickly learned that I’m not alone. Almost every mom I know has a story like this. They’ve been juggling budget deficits to afford care, pleading for financial aid, adding their names to yearlong wait lists, reducing their work hours, or cutting their careers short.

The details vary, but the common thread is this: Child care costs are unsustainable.

One night, up late with a teething baby, I fell down a Google rabbit hole, reading about countries with policies that truly support moms and families. Sweden offers 16 months of paid parental leave. Norway provides leave specifically for parents caring for a sick child. Canada is initiating $10 a day child care. Portugal has free child care for all regardless of income.

This late night rabbit hole affirmed what I already knew in my gut: moms in the U.S. are struggling due to systemic issues and policy failures. And it does not have to be this way.

In my 13 months of motherhood, I’ve already witnessed the power moms have when we band together. It was moms that helped me secure a last minute daycare spot. It was moms who recently gathered at a local park to swap baby gear in response to rising prices.

And it will be moms who demand more from our policymakers when it comes to the accessibility of child care in our country.

Brea Harris is a single mom living in Chicago. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

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More Editorial Viewpoints

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TAGGED: affordable daycare for single moms, US child care crisis, family policy reform, parental leave solutions, cost of early childhood care

From chores to choices: Practical ways to build independence with your child

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Practical strategies to encourage independence in children include giving age-appropriate responsibilities and letting kids navigate challenges on their own. Trust and guidance help them thrive.

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Photo: Volant/Unsplash

Want to raise confident, capable kids? Children learn self-sufficiency through everyday opportunities. These experiences strengthen confidence, emotional resilience, and decision-making.

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by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

Children grow up so fast, as every parent is painfully aware. One moment your baby is babbling on the sofa, and the next they’re out the door on their way to their last day of school. Along the way, they become the person they’re meant to be, and you play a huge role in supporting their healthy development. Specifically, fostering independence in your child is a great way to set them up for confidence, resilience, and success later in life. You’re probably already doing more than you think to support this growth. But if you want to go even further, we’re here to help.

This article explores some practical ways to encourage independence in your child. We will discuss age-appropriate opportunities that help children develop problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and the ability to handle challenges. These small steps create a foundation that will serve them well as they grow. The best part of going through this process is that you’ll strengthen your relationship with your child. When kids feel capable and trusted, they’re more likely to come to you when they truly need guidance.

So where should you start? Well, think about your daily routines. What do you currently do for your child that they could also handle? For instance, if you pick out your child’s outfits, maybe they can take over that task. To make it easier but still foster their independent decision-making, you can let your child choose between two outfits that you lay out the night before.

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Giving your child freedom in their free time is an important aspect of helping them feel trusted.

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Now, turn your attention to the bathroom. Your kid’s independence in the space develops naturally when you make the room more accessible to them. Put a step stool by the sink and a toothbrush within their reach. Teach them how to wash their hands, then let them practice without hovering over their shoulder, counting to 20. Let them comb their hair each morning. These small tasks are usually manageable for small children, and they instill daily confidence through autonomy.

Aside from what your child needs to do to take care of themselves, consider what they can do to help out around the house. That’s right—chores. No kid likes chores. In fact, very few adults like chores. However, these tasks are golden opportunities for teaching your child to be independent because they foster practical skill development. Maybe they can set the table for dinner, pick up the living room each night, feed and water the dog, or put items on the grocery list when they run out. These are things every person must know how to do if they are to be truly self-sufficient, and teaching the jobs early gives your child a head start.

Then, there’s independence in recreation. Many parents want to watch their children like hawks at the playground or playdates, but it’s important that you prove to your little one that you trust their judgment. Let them pick their friends, say yes to sleepovers, have them decide their hobbies, and encourage all healthy interests, from painting to soccer. Naturally, you should be mindful of their safety and set boundaries when it’s necessary. But giving your child freedom in their free time is an important aspect of helping them feel trusted, which translates to a more independent mindset.

If you want to start small in this area, Christmas is coming up, and it’s a great time to give your child a gift that shows your confidence in their self-sufficiency. For instance, ride-on cars are great winter gifts for kids because the toy is mature yet safe. Your child can feel uniquely independent as they drive around the yard and neighborhood in a mini Jeep, and you can peacefully observe their safety from a distance.

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You should teach your kid that independence includes asking for help when they need it.

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Now, as your kid navigates these big and small opportunities for independence, they will probably run into problems. How you encourage them to overcome these obstacles is a valuable part of the process. When your child faces a minor challenge, pause before jumping in to fix it. For example, a puzzle piece that won’t fit can be a learning opportunity. Wait to see if your child figures it out. If they’re stuck, ask questions instead of providing solutions. You might inquire, “What happens if you turn it around?” Only step in with the answer if your child makes a thoughtful attempt before requesting your help. In doing so, you let them know that you trust their capabilities and that you are a resource, not an omniscient, overbearing problem-solver.

Frustration is an expected part of this process. Your kid will probably get very annoyed and even start to cry when they face problems. This is always distressing to see as a parent, and it makes many guardians immediately jump to the rescue with a quick fix and coddling. But that’s not going to teach your child how to handle challenges for themselves. After all, emotional intelligence is inextricable from true independence.

When your child melts down over a broken crayon, acknowledge their feelings. Say, “You’re really upset about your crayon breaking.” Then, guide them toward solutions without laying them out on the table. Ask, “What could help you feel better?” and help your child workshop.

Likewise, letting children experience natural consequences builds essential emotional resilience. If they forget their jacket despite you reminding them again and again, feeling chilly could be what they need to learn the lesson. Of course, be reasonable in what consequences you let your child endure. They don’t need to be rescued from manageable discomfort, but pain and authentic distress are not appropriate. In these cases, you should teach your kid that independence includes asking for help when they need it. Teach your child that requesting assistance with truly difficult tasks or outcomes shows wisdom, not weakness. This prevents them from entering or staying in dangerous situations.

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Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process.

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A final important consideration is knowing when your child is overwhelmed by self-sufficiency. Some kids latch on to every freedom and thrive, while others are much more hesitant to leave any part of the nest. You might encounter resistance as you encourage them to do things on their own, and this is normal. However, it might signal a need for more attention, not less freedom or more support. Remember to frame setbacks within the context of the bigger picture. On the whole, if you do your part to trust and empower your kid, they will grow up to be a confident, autonomous adult.

In the end, encouraging independence in your child will create an adult who can handle challenges, make good decisions, and maintain healthy relationships. The patience you invest now in letting your child struggle reasonably with age-appropriate tasks pays dividends in the years to come. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process. Your child’s growing independence reflects your excellent parenting, not your decreasing importance in their life. You’re raising a capable human being who will always need your love and guidance—just in evolving ways.

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Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

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Tags: how to teach kids independence, fostering independence in children, raising self-sufficient kids, age-appropriate chores for children, building confidence in children, helping kids solve problems, promoting emotional resilience in kids, parenting tips for independence, encouraging responsibility in kids, guiding children to be confident and capable

A good reason to not leave your kids "Home Alone" in Illinois

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by Joe Barnas, Writer
Illinois Policy

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Could Illinois parents who leave their eighth grader at home alone, or allow them to be unsupervised at the local park, find themselves under investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, or even under arrest?

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A vague and restrictive state law could mean the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services comes knocking if parents leave their 13-year-old home alone.

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That would have been bad news for the parents in the 1990 film “Home Alone.” They accidentally left 8-year-old Kevin McAllister behind at their Winnetka home, in a frantic rush to get out the door for the family Christmas trip to Paris.

While that holiday comedy was fiction, the legal threat to Illinois parents is real.

State law currently states “any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that minor” has been neglected.

Vague language such as this is ripe for broad interpretation that opens the door to regulatory abuse. Under one interpretation, it is illegal for parents to leave any child age 13 and younger by themselves – whether at home, at the park or walking the dog around the block.

It is also unclear what constitutes “an unreasonable period of time” – among other uncertainties with the law. Would that be an hour? Or would that be closer to the three days young Kevin was left to fend off burglars?

For Wilmette mother Corey Widen, such a nightmare scenario with DCFS became a reality after letting her daughter walk the family dog in 2018. Eight-year-old Dorothy was walking Marshmallow around the block by herself when a neighbor noticed and called police.

Wilmette Police determined the negligence accusation was baseless, but that wasn’t enough for DCFS. The state agency opened an investigation into Widen, putting the family under a microscope and throwing them into nerve-wracking uncertainty – all for simply letting Dorothy walk the dog on her own.

Eventually, DCFS found Widen was innocent and dropped the case.

Illinois’ law is the strictest in the nation. The highest age any other state stipulates for a child to be left alone is 12. Thirty other states have no such age restrictions.

Chicago mother Natasha Felix also experienced in 2013 the overzealous enforcement of Illinois’ child neglect laws. She let her three sons – ages 5, 9 and 11 – run around the playground right outside their apartment window. A passerby called DCFS and Felix was charged for inadequate supervision – even though she was keeping a watchful eye on her children through the window.

It took two years until the charge was finally erased from her record.

To make matters worse, parents can temporarily lose custody of their child before they even have the chance to defend themselves in court against negligence accusations. A child can even be temporarily taken away from a parent without a warrant when an allegation is made.

Later, 15 vague factors – from the duration of time the child was left unsupervised to the weather – are considered while the parents defend themselves against the allegations. At the least, the parents suffer a frightening and humiliating experience in having their parenting questioned and possibly even losing custody of their child temporarily.

The weight of this law falls disproportionately on single parents and low-income households. Parents who leave their kids home alone after school out of necessity – often living paycheck to paycheck – while juggling irregular work hours can easily become victims of the vague and arbitrary restrictions.

Lawmakers in Springfield have recognized the need for change, but no concrete reform has succeeded. In 2019, the Illinois House unanimously passed a bill lowering the age restriction to 12 from 14. The measure never received a vote in the Senate.

As children run to the neighborhood sledding hill or off to build a snowman in the park this holiday season, lawmakers should once again move to make this law more clear and less invasive on a family’s life.

Most 13-year-olds can responsibly stay home alone and watch over younger siblings for an extended period of time. Parents best know their child’s maturity and abilities, not an officer or case worker from DCFS.

Teaching self-reliance or understanding a child’s capabilities shouldn’t be mistaken for negligence. A system that allows a single call from a passerby to embroil parents in a months-long struggle that threatens their family and their good name is one in dire need of reform.

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Joe Barnas is a writer at the Illinois Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research organization that promotes responsible government and free market principles. Originally published December 23, 2020.

Apply for the Governor's Hometown Award, applications are being accepted now

The Governor’s Hometown Awards program, now in its fourth year, recognizes individuals and organizations that make an impact on the quality of life in their community. The award is given to projects that met a need with substantial volunteer support and made a significant impact in the nominee's town or village.

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is accepting applications for this year's Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program now through February 19. The Governor’s Hometown Award promotes the Commission’s mission to improve Illinois communities "by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state." The GHTA recognizes projects that, with the help of local government, enlisted sizeable community support and volunteerism resulting in beneficial outcome not only for recipients of the effort but the for the overall community.

The competition is open to townships, villages, cities, and counties for projects during the period of January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020.

Past recipients include Edwardsville's Growing with the Garden which was recognized in 2018. Working with the Edwardsville YMCA Early Childhood Development Center to design and develop three raised gardens in the facility’s children’s playground, an Edwardsville High School senior taught kids at the center the importance of vegetables in the diet, helped them plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables from the new gardens.

With more than 35,000 veterans in Lake County, an educational program that demonstrated the benefits that equine-assisted therapy provides service men and women and veterans who face challenges such as PTSD was the result of a collaboration between BraveHearts, a therapeutic riding and educational center, and the Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores in 2018. The joint cooperation created an interactive event for Lake Barrington and its surrounding communities that resulted in GHTA recognition the following year in 2019.

Locally, in 2018, Urbana was honored as a project winner for their "Friendship Grove Nature Playscape" project. A year later, Urbana received an Honorable Mention for their "Urbana Park District Advisory Committee" work and Vermilion County also received and HM nod with their "Step Up Vermilion County" project.

For additional information regarding program and the application process, please visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov. This year's application can be downloaded from this link: 2020 GHTA Application.

The Serve Illinois Commission is made up of a bipartisan group of 40 members board appointed by the Governor JB Pritzker and is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health.