outside unsuperivised? My oldest is 5 and I don't think he should be un-suppervised yet. But I was very curious as to what age most mom's start to let their children outside without you. No fenced yard. But then again, he likes going out in the font yard where all the kids are, so I guess my question is for the front yard vs the back yard. Thanks :)
Thank you so much for all of your answers :)
J. in Macomb
Thank you everyone for you comments. I guess I will know in my gut when it's time to let him loose on his own :) I was just curious as I see many kids younger than my son playing outside alone and it scares me and I had wondered if my fears where off base. Obviously from what all of you wonderful mom's said, it should scare me. So for now, it's me and my kids outside together :) Thanks again!!!
If it were a fenced yard I might consider it at this age, but definately not without a fence. I seem to be in the minority though because I see it all the time in the area. I say go with what makes you comfortable. My oldest is only 3, but I wouldn't dream of letting her play in our fenced backyard without me. It will be many years before that happens I am sure.
To me it depends on the neighborhood. When I lived in Warren we had a fenced in yard and my son who was 5 often played out in the backyard with the boy next door who was 8. They were allowed to run back and forth to each others houses but stay in the backyards to actually play. I also had an agreement and a great friendship with the neighbors. So we agreed that while we were housecleaning we would both keep an eye on the kids from the house. It worked great. My son is now 8 and we live in a different neighborhood.. I let him outside up to the corner (we are 3 houses from the end and down 5 houses to his friend's house) again the mom and I call each other so that we know who's house the kids are at.
it depends--is your child cautious and responsible or careless? You have to train him/her well on the do's and don'ts of playing out front and as soon as they break a rule--give a consequence. it is nice when they are old enough to play and you don't have to be there every second!!!
do you mean in the backyard?? is it fenced??>
I let my 2 year old outside in our fenced backyard. My kitchen has a doorwall that looks out inthe yard so I can see her at all times..
I know what she will do - she is not a wanderer-- I also let her outside last year when she was 18 months..
J.:
We live on a circle (inside ring) and the backyards all run together. There are several familys with kids and several playyards. My 4 year old is allowed in the back yard only by himself when I am in the kitchen/family room and can see/hear him through the windows and doorwall which all face the backyard. He is allowed in our backyard the neighbors (really one big area) but not allowed in the front or on the side of the house and not allowed past the neighbors (even if the kids ventrue down to that swingset). He has strict instructions not to go in anyone's house.
I generally can see/hear him the entire time (he is a loud kid). I'm not comfortable with the front yard yet and probably won't be for a long time.
I agree with the previous response. We have a fenced in back yard and my girls (now 5 1/2) started playing out on their own last summer. I can see them when I look out the window. Most
of all, it depends on the child, my girls are pretty good and have never strayed away. I remind them all the time about stranger danger. Good luck!!
J.,
This is a hard decision I think for every mom! Unfortunately the world we live in today is a very rough one! It's scary and you hear terrible things all of the time!
I think that you should always be in sight of your son. Sit on the porch and read a book and let him play outside. If you can look out your window and see him in the backyard that's a plus! If you can supervise your son from inside and he's in a fenced yard I think that's absolutely fine! Otherwise without ANY supervision I'd definately say he's way too young!
With my son I think he'd have to be close to ten before I'd allow him to be outside unsupervised. Even if you think you live in a safe neighborhood you still never know. It's not at all about trusting your son or how responsible he is. You never know what someone might do. You also never know if your son could get hurt and not be able to aqcuire the help he needs!
It's just my opinion but ultimately the deicison is yours and your husbands! Good luck...Mom really does know best and I'm sure you'll make the best decision for your family! :)
