DD6 Overprotective or Reasonable concern

balletshoes

The 6 and 7 year olds on my street don't "hang about" on the street - they play with their scooters usually, on the pavement, or have been known to get some chalk and draw/play hopscotch. They are about 11 or 12 before they get to together to "hang about".

*Louise*

My kids at age 6/7 are allowed just outside the gate but have to stay where I an see them, so no, I wouldn't be happy about them being unsupervised.

Mind you, there have been at least 3 attempted abductions in this area in the past year, so I am extra-wary.

moomoomama27

I think you're right to be worried about it, and I would too be having words to make sure they were not left to play unattended, unless it was in an enclosed garden!

Mine have never been allowed to play in the street! I first started letting them go off with friends from about the age of 10/11, but that was only to the nearby park. I gave more freedom at age 13!

My two youngest are 6 and 8, and go nowhere without me, or a trusted adult!

Becles

I think it depends on the estate.

Currently in my street there are about 12 of them playing out with balls, scooters, skateboards and just generally running up and down. We live in a quiet cul-de-sac in a rural village with lots of families. There isn't much traffic and everyone knows to take care when they are coming or going. They're semi-supervised by all the parents who look out now and again, and the bigger ones look after for the little ones.

All of mine are currently out there enjoying themselves in the sunshine.

GobbledyGook

Becles wrote: »

I think it depends on the estate.

Currently in my street there are about 12 of them playing out with balls, scooters, skateboards and just generally running up and down. We live in a quiet cul-de-sac in a rural village with lots of families. There isn't much traffic and everyone knows to take care when they are coming or going. They're semi-supervised by all the parents who look out now and again, and the bigger ones look after for the little ones.

All of mine are currently out there enjoying themselves in the sunshine.

Totally agree with the comment it depends on the estate.

Here all the children (bar 2) play out in the street. All the drivers know this and although there is a normal speed limit cars crawl along because of the children. The children all love it, especially on days with nice weather. I love that they can be out pretty much all day like I used too be with their scooters, bikes, balls etc. All the parents keep an eye out now and again and even the people who don't have children keep an eye too.

That said we're an estate where everyone knows everyone and there are street events at Halloween or New Year.

I feel quite sad for the two children who are not allowed out to play. They are 8 and 10 and are only allowed in their garden. Their mother thinks the rest of us are horrendously neglectful, but I personally don't think it does children any favours to wrap them in too much cotton wool (I'm not saying let them loose at 2 or anything though!).

Buttonmoons

DD has just turned 5, but since she was 4, she has been playing out with my sister (7) when we go upt to visit my mum, as its a quiet cul de sac but just full of kids between the ages of 3 and 10, who all play out with scooters, rollerskates etc. The street has speedbumps and ironically the only idiot who comes in fast, is the guy who's son was knocked down and left severely disabled a few year ago.

We live a in skyscraper but even if we didnt, Id not let her out because the area is bad/too many cars flying around/etc, but my mums, is nice

minimoneysaver

No way would I allow my daughter to go to a friends house where she would be put in a situation to play out unsupervised. Children can not tell how fast a car is approaching, not to mention how quiet car engines are now and how immersed in play children can become. Sorry, but I think that this 'friend' is taking liberties, if she has invited your daughter over, she is therefore responsible for your child.

GobbledyGook

Can I suggest that you be very careful how you bring it up OP?

I allow mine to play out as I said in my post and I've just realised that if someone said to me "I think it's dangerous/reckless for children to play unsupervised" it could be someone I take great offence too.

In terms of "look can you keep a closer eye because mine just isn't used to being unsupervised" is fine, "I think it's stupid/dangerous to let them at all" would be offensive because it suggests you think I'm being a reckless/bad parent by allowing my child out unsupervised.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Mine both played out from the age of 5 as I didn't have a garden. They formed a little band with the other children in the block, there was always one a bit older than the others and as they got older and new children came along, they started looking out for them in turn. They all knew where they couldn't go and I think it meant they learned to get along with others much better.

milliebear00001

I have a real dilemma about this because I was one of those eighties kids who played out from dawn til dusk in the school holidays and enjoyed the freedom of being totally free of adult supervision within the confines of my own street. I feel that children back then were much more savvy about risk from a much earlier age, and that this is a skill our own children need, but don't develop.

I have a seven year old and have not, so far, allowed her out without adult supervision. I would be upset if I allowed her to go to a friend's house, and the parent allowed her out on the street without discussing it with me first.

The main thing I think is different to when I was a child, is the amount of road traffic. Having said that, I live in a very quiet street and my daughter is very good at staying only on the pavement, never the road. Do I trust her not to run across for a 'ball/dog/cat' etc without thinking? Not quite - not just yet!