How old do you think a child should be before they are allowed to play outside by themselves?I live in a neighborhood that is considered very safe. The other moms in the neighborhood will let their kids, some as young as three, play outside with out any one watching.
Phoenix is now five and a half. I've never let her play outside with out adult supervision. She wants to be able to play in the backyard by herself. Our backyard is pretty big, not fenced and you can see parts of it from the street because we live in a culdesac.
I know I am overprotective when it comes to her because I would not be able to handle losing her. So when things like this become and issue I need to start asking to see what is normal.
I really do think my neighborhood is safe but bad things can happen anywhere and I always have the worst case scenario playing through my head.
{Editor's Note} We live in a decent neighborhood - not the best, not the worst. Our house is situated so that there is an alley that runs along side of it and along our back yard. Our back yard isn't fenced. Unlike the droves of children running rampant (and being disrespectful to property lines AND items in people's yards, fenced or not), we do not let our oldest, who is 7, play outside alone. We have seen way too many people who use the alley as a cut-through to the street behind us, and they are flying down that alley! After living here for 3.5 years, we are getting estimates on fencing because it's just too dangerous. I want more then anything to be able to tell him, "Sure!" when he asks if he can go outside because while I trust him, I don't trust others. Having him contained in our yard, in my eye and ear shot would be so nice. Not that he's loud inside or anything
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As to the age of 9 having some autonomy, I didn't mean total autonomy. I just meant gradual decision making, small things at a time, so that when teen years come in not too long, the child is able to think through some decisions when the parents aren't available. We could move it up to 10 or 11 if you want. Lord knows I'm no expert. But children need to learn gradually to make decisions, the process involved, etc. That was all I was thinking of.
I think I was 5 or 6 when I could play out in the backyard by myself. After that I mostly played by myself or with friends. Turned out alright.
I don't have any children but I say no. It doesn't matter what neighborhood you live in or how nice/safe it appears. It only takes a split second for your child to be in danger or kidnapped when the opportunity presents itself. Crimes happen in every neighborhood. Keep your child supervised =)
@sarahsmurfette@xanga - In California there is no minimum age to leave your kids home alone. It is a judgment thing. But I do imagine if your child gets into trouble home alone, you'll get slapped with all kinds of stuff. I started leaving my kids home alone a few years ago. They are now 14, 11, and 9. I rarely leave the 9-year-old home alone but he can handle it for an hour or two. But I will only leave him alone to run and get gas or a quick trip to the store, never longer than 20 minutes.
It really depends on the neighborhood and stuff. If kids wander into your backyard, then I wouldn't let my kid out yet. I was allowed to wander around when I was 5 back in the 70s. So, I think a five-year-old could handle it. Can you fence in a play area?
It's not a big deal in a lot of other countries..just watch out for creepers though