My kid is 11 and is fast approaching independence. It won't be long before he's off on his bike or public transit alone, going to friends, the mall, the park, wherever.

I remembered something from my childhood recently. I used to watch Cold Case Files and other shows on A&E around his age and it gave me a lot of perspective about what could happen if I was too trusting of strangers. It made me wary of potential dangers that parental and educational talking-tos hadn't- it made the whole concept less abstract. It scared me into being cautious and alert.

I spoke to my son about it and we're going to watch some true crime stuff together. Forensic Files and Cold Case Files, some YouTube series. I hope it will teach him the same way it taught me, to always, always be careful.

Has anyone else done something similar with their kids? Maybe it's a good idea for parents of kids reaching 'that age'. Sort of a mom life hack/pro-tip. Lmk what you all make of this.