At what age do you consider it appropriate to let a toddler play in the back yard without your constant supervision? I have several friends who let their 2 year olds play outside in a fenced back yard without being outside themselves. They are usually just inside and watching every so often through the window. I don't feel comfortable doing so, am I being over protective?
I should add that we have a fenced yard, but no lock on the gate, and are on a corner lot so he would be easily visible to any passers by. There is a playset outside that he climbs on, and is pretty good climbing but it is still about 5 ft high.
Thank you all. I think for now I will stick with not allowing him out there by himself. We are moving soon to a home with a much more secluded back yard. I may consider putting locks on the gates and letting him outside alone then so long as I am watching. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and reassurance to know I am not being too overprotective.
Just my opinion but I think 2 is still too young to be playing outside alone (fenced in yard or not).
Something happened in our city (Murphy) a few months ago that opened my eyes to the fact that really bad things can happen in a very short period of time. A little boy got trapped in a soccer net in his backyard and died while his mom was just inside the house. Before this event happened, I might have let my toddler play outside as I looked on every so often. But not now. Someone else's terrible tragedy taught me a big lesson, and I agree with you that toddlers are too young.
I have a almost 5 year old daughter and she is not allowed to play outside by herself. I personally think that you should go with your gut instinct and supervise your kids at all times. I don't care if the door is open or the window is open kids can get into trouble in less than 2 seconds!
My DS is almost 3.5 and I would let him play in the back yard alone with the door open and the locks on the gates. He doesn't like to be alone in the backyard, which might change soon when he gets his "park" in the backyard this weekend. If you were feeding your baby and sitting by an open window then I would think that would be okay. But like someone else said, go with your instinct - you know your child best.
We also allow our boys to play in the backyard. They are 6 & 3 now, but we've let them do it for over a year. I open all the blinds and open a window so I can hear them. Our gate is locked so that they can't get out and noone can get in. The only time I don't let them back there alone is if I have the play pool back there.
Personally, I think this type of play is good for them. It teaches them to entertain themselves and gives them self confidence. If I'm out there they battle for my attention and don't really do free play. They make up games, discover bugs and things much more than if I'm out there with them.
My oldest has been playing outside alone since he was about 3 1/2-4. He has always been a good listener and very obedient and very cautious. My youngest, not so much. He can be in the backyard with his brother (who is now 6), but I have yet to let him out there alone. He's alot more dare-devilish. Knowing him, he'd be on top of the swingset :). We have a big fenced in yard where I can see them from the living room and kitchen, and I usually leave the back door open while they are out there. They are so loud, I'd definitely know if something happened. Plus, the dog is usually out there watching them. He'll bark if anyone comes near the fence.
The thing that floors me is our neighbor. They let their 8 and 4 year old play in the cul-de-sac alone. I can't do that. I have to be out there with them in that case.
I have twin boys that will be three in June and I let them go into the backyard without me. I always leave the door open from our kitchen into the back yard plus we have a huge covered porch and deck that they do a lot of their playing on. They are usually making so much noise when they are out there playing or sliding or driving their battery operated trucks that I can hear everything that is going on plus I check on them often.
i let our 3 1/2 year old daughter do it but we have locks on the gates, our very protective dog is outside with her and i'm in the kitchen with the screen door open so i can see and hear everything. we have a playset with a very tall slide with a ladder to climb up and she knows she can't do that without me but she can go on the little slide and swing. i think it's good for her also, she can chase the dog, butterflies, play in the sand box and go on "escapades" and "treasure hunts" by herself and use her imagination to think of other things to do.
If you are going to let him play outside -- please consider a lock on your gates. The lock would not be so much to keep him in -- but to keep others out (especially since you mentioned that he would be quite visible on your corner lot).
No you are being smart! with no lock on the gate I would not let him out either. But I have locks and I do let them out by themselves.
Its all about what you feel safe with.
I have an almost 5 year old and he plays outside by himself all the time. I leave my door open and I also have a huge bay window in my livingroom so that I can watch him. He has his rules and he abides by them or he doesnt go out alone at all. I also have my dogs out there, so anyone that comes close to the fence, they bark and I know it, and my son knows never to go outside the gate or even think about opening it. Guess it depends on how well your child listens, how safe your area and yard are as well. I know that I never let my daughter play alone in the yard without me there, but I was VERY protective of her. I am protective of my son to, but i'm a little more flexable with him.
I let my kids do it. I have a 6 yr, 4 1/2 yr and a 3 yr old. I usually open the window and they have rules they can not go around the corner of the house where I can not see them. They are to stay near the playscape. My oldest usually yells and tells me if my youngest is doing something she shouldn't do. If my youngest is home and the other two at school I go out with her.
I have 2 year old twins & I won't even consider letting them alone even for a minute. We have a fenced in back yard with a lock on the gate & I am still afraid. My neighbor across the street lets her 2 1/2 yr old and her 4 yr old sons run freely through the neighborhood and it freaks me out. It's just not safe. You can trust your children, it's the other people in the world that I don't trust. I just don't think that 2 is old enough to be alone outside.
I really am overprotective about almost everything. However, I let my son play outside (2 years old) by himself but with our back door opened. I do that when I'm cooking, and I can see him through the windows and door, and our gate is locked. I can hear him, and I'll still talk back and forth. The kitchen is right across from the door so, it allows me to do both. The downside is that we get flys in the summer, but it's a small price to pay. I prefer him playing and using his imagination to watching tv, which is what we do when it's cold or rainy.
no....not comfortable with this
