Maybe i'm old school in thinking this....

[5 Little Monkeys]

I agree! I've been doing Childcare over the past 12 years and in the past 4-5 years I've noticed a MAJOR change in parenting styles. Of course, these types were likely always there but it is now becoming the norm to be a "helicopter parent". While it may work for some, it's not my style and I tell parents this during interviews. Their child will be given opportunities and encouraged to free play. I'm always within a hearing distance but not always a visual one. Like you, during outings, my supervision is focused and on the children as I don't want mishaps!! But in the safety of my home and backyard,they are allowed to play without me always hovering around! (These are the times you hear the best conversations between them too lol)

I also don't always plan my outings and quite often decide the day of what we're going to do depending on the children's behaviour and interest in a certain outing. My parents are all on board with this but there are a few outings that I'd like to do but I have one parent that I know would be unsure of it. (Too far and hwy driving) I understand her concerns so we don't go on those outings. She likely would give permission but I know she wouldn't be comfortable with it so I don't even bother. I don't want to put her in that situation where she feels she has to say yes just because others are okay with it. She's admitted that she hovers over him, it's quite funny to watch her as her son plays on the play structure actually! And it's the 8 in 1 little tykes so it's not even high...sigh, haha