Just need to rant - kids playing out on their own

chelle230

my son is 4, nearly 5 and there is no way at all I would let him play out without me, anything could happen, not just danger from cars. He knows to look both ways, and not talk to strangers, but it only takes a second for someone to snatch him. I would never forgive myself if something happened, at such a young age they need a guardian around. there will be plenty of time for him to play out when he's older.

louisehj

Thanks for everyones replies. After reading them I do think he isnt grown up enough to be out on his own. He plays out in the garden plenty. No problems being seperated from me, loves school and has plenty of friends. Me and his dad had a chat last night and agreed we will see what we think in the new year. BTW just to explain the parents are not keeping an eye on these kids. They literally let them go out and play and wait for them to come back. The 3 1/2 yr old has been playing out since he was 3 and has no road sense. He crosses between parked cars without even looking. There are at least 25 houses our road leads to, thats a lot of cars coming and going. Id rather know my boy was safe than let him have a bit of freedom and end up hurt or even worse. Thanks again for everyones replies.

*max*

Lirin wrote: »

The response? From a 5-yr-old- "F*** off, it's a bigger claim if I get hit!".

But of course. I'm sure that's true. :cool:

Bennifred

louisehj wrote: »

Gist of it is that I have 2 boys, 5 (just turned 5) and 2. On our street we have 2 neighbours who let their kids play out on their own, 1 family kids are 9 7 and 5 (youngest been playing out since 3) and other kids are 6, 5 and 3 (all been out on their own since 3). Now our street is not a through road but lots of parked cars, cars coming and going. We have never let our 5 yr old out on his own. The kids dont just play on the front, they go round the back, over the road. We go out on the front as much as we can so he can play with them but its hard, we both work 5 days a week. He gets so upset sometimes seeing them play out. Am I being too over protective, am I the odd one out on the street?

I don't think you are being over-protective, but a responsible parent. Maybe nothing bad will happen to the (very young) children who are left unsupervised, but I think you are wise not to take the risk until they are older. I think it's great for children to "play out", but an adult should be keeping an eye on them.

Lirin

As I've said, I don't mind them playing- I always slow, but some of my neighbours don't- and especially if the boy is stupid enough to sit on the road on a corner- it's hard to see until you hit it....
I'd let mine play out the back, but there isn't many her age out there- more a pity.... getting sick of princess games where I always have to play the evil person.....

iamana1ias

chelle230 wrote: »

my son is 4, nearly 5 and there is no way at all I would let him play out without me, anything could happen, not just danger from cars. He knows to look both ways, and not talk to strangers, but it only takes a second for someone to snatch him. I would never forgive myself if something happened, at such a young age they need a guardian around. there will be plenty of time for him to play out when he's older.

Where do you live that there are child snatchers on every corner?!

Best keep him in till he's about 35 I reckon.

tanith

I've never been one to let my kids roam the streets , if they wanted to play they either were taken to the park or visited with friends or had a gang of friends in to play... both my daughters do the same with my grandchildren.. they have all grown up to be fully functioning adults who socialise normally.. we do live in London so traffic is always going to be a problem even in residential streets , but I always wanted to know where and who my children were playing with, sorry if this sounds overprotective to some of you but my children grew up safely and protected I thought thats what parents did for their children? I remember as a child being shunted out of the house to 'play' by my mother so she could have some 'peace', she never actually played with me but expected me to entertain myself for hours on end... I prefer my way...

bankersnight

iamana1ias wrote: »

Where do you live that there are child snatchers on every corner?!

Best keep him in till he's about 35 I reckon.

Lmao :rotfl:

When I was young we would play out on our own or with friends. I am still alive.

Lighten up, let your kids enjoy life. You only get to live once!

Apples2

Your window must be a portal to 1978.

We ALL played outside in those days, kerbies with the football, wheelies and ramps with the woeful Raleigh Chopper with it's nut crunching gear stick.

We bang on all day now about kids staying indoors talking to peado's in chatrooms and playing video games involving scooping someone's eye out with a spoon.

Let the little oik's have their fun before the water balloons come over the fence or a stinkbomb lands in the hallway.

WhiteHorse

louisehj wrote: »

Am I being too over protective, am I the odd one out on the street?

Yes, you are the odd one out.

But that's because you are being a good parent.