[phatboyslim]

You make a series of good points, but I think there is a distinction which should be made esp. in the case of a very young child (< 2 y/o). Parents should not shelter or keep their kids from exploring, being with other kids, or generally operating independently on an impromptu basis. It should be noted, however, that this may be more applicable for an older toddler/child/teenager than it would be to a newborn/infant.