These days, I see parents holding their childrens' hands out in public and the kids often look 8-12 years old.

I have no memory of my parents holding my hand, probably because they stopped doing that when I was around 4. Are parents today simply over-protective, are they trying to be best buddies with their kids, or what? Have any of you noticed this?

• Yes I've noticed that.

• Please, I hold the hand of my 8 yr old niece when we're in a busy parking lot.

• Look at all these pics of Lourdes and Madonna holding hands. Sometimes they're posing together on the red carpet, sometimes they're in casual situations.

  http://www.google.com/search?q=lourdes madonna red carpet&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4NDKB_enUS516US516&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=a3Q1UZL6JIeg2QXElIHgBQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=526

• I was 47 and my Mom grabbed my hand when we crossed a street... It's a Mom thing.

• I think it's part of the new touchy-feely culture, like a group photo with all the particpants leaning their heads in to form a giant U.