Gaining independence is a crucial part of growing up – but at what point are kids ready to go it alone and play outside without you watching their every move?
In contrast to those who won’t let their kids go anywhere alone, there are a number of parents who are taking a more laidback approach and parenting “like it’s the 90s”, giving their kids the freedom to play out unsupervised.
I can see the appeal. We lived in a quiet cul-de-sac growing up and I was allowed to play out with our neighbours’ kids – we knew we had to stay in the street, or in one another’s homes. As we got older, we were allowed to venture a bit further afield. It gave my parents a break, and it made me feel like I was capable and trusted.
Nowadays I live on a relatively quiet street on the outskirts of a major city. There’s not much traffic, we’re near a park, but I’m not sure at what point I’d feel comfortable letting my kids go it alone (admittedly they’re both way too young, but it’s something I’ll have to consider in the years to come!).
Gail Sayles, a Read Entire Article
English (US)