What are your thoughts on "helicopter parenting" vs "free-range parenting"?

Would you consider that you lean(ed) toward one end of the spectrum? What was the most common parenting style in your area, or was it just a large mix?

As “free-range parents”, my wife and I certainly are in the minority. But it appears that the grip of the managed childhood is losing some of its favor in my neighborhood in the past few years, which is refreshing.

Have you run up against legal issues with your parenting?