The picture you painted of a single parent home where the streets are full off criminals made me want to weep.  I can't fault that parent for being being too tired to cook healthy meals or find time for active play. Nor would it be wide for her to allow them unfettered access to outdoor activities. And it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine that they don't have a lot of spare money for outings or active entertainment. So sad. Cars, I did smile at the last part of your comment. About your parents always knowing, more or less, where you were. That sounds like just the right amount of freedom for a youngster.