Post by barefootcontessa on Aug 20, 2014 6:46:21 GMT -5
B, however there would be certain rules in place, like how far they can go. I also would have them wear a watch and tell them they need to return in X minutes. My two older sons like to go to the creek and I allow them to go, only together and they need to return home every 15 minutes and check in.
This morning I was walking my dog and saw two young boys. My guess is brothers (they were both dressed in orthodox Jewish attire). Younger boy looked about 3 and older boy looked about7- 8.
They walked up the street and past me. No adults in sight. Should I have been concerned about lack of supervision? I sort of shrugged bc older boy was holding younger boys hand and talking to him. But I was a little nervous about the younger boy.
IMO, no. Just a 3yr old or a kid crying & looking lost, yes. I've let my kids walk alone a few houses down at 4-8yrs old & I live in the nitty gritty city.
IMO it is good for parents to allow kids to have these types of freedoms. I mentioned something similar in the current events board. I think the overprotective parenting popular today can have a negative effect on kids. My mom was super overprotective. I wasn't allowed to ride my bike in the street... Ever. She didn't want me to drive etc. to this day, I have anxieties that I know are linked to that. (I won't drive long distances or on the expressway.) and, I am super awkward on a bike as an adult. I am also overly cautious. Within reason, a little freedom is good for kids.
My neighborhood is not fancy, but there's little traffic and children play unsupervised a lot. The ones that make me shake my head are the ones I know are under 5.
Post by SpartanGirl on Aug 20, 2014 16:39:46 GMT -5
B
My 8 and 6 year old are allowed to ride their bikes around the neighborhood without an adult. I wouldn't even think twice about the situation you described.