Children are capable of far more responsibility than they are given credit for in the US.
Agreed.
This sounds like too much, but the “authorities” far too often get involved when baby sitting-aged kids are left for a bit.
Yes, and that is why politicians/government want to make sure nobody is allowed to actually grow up and mature. If a person becomes responsible, especially at an early age, the politicians can't rule them.
I agree. We make children immature for too long.