My 11-year-old walked less than a mile away from home. I was arrested and charged with reckless conduct.

• 09/13/2024, 5:09 PM
• businessinsider.com

Courtesy of Brittany Patterson.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Brittany Patterson, 41, a real-estate broker and mom of four from Fannin County, Georgia. It has been edited for length and clarity.