You made the right decision. I live in New Zealand with the same experience. My son was walking to school alone at 10 and riding busses and trains alone at 11. He set up a playdate with a female friend, and her mother (who has never met me) just dropped her off. I can't imagine that in the US. There is so much trust and love here for other people. It can't be understated how wonderful it is to raise a child in such a culture.