AIBU to let my DCs out to play... (feeling all on edge!)

[ManateeEquineOhara]

DD aged 6 and a half had two girls call round and ask if she wanted to play out, they don't go to her school, one is a friend of her friend and they went to mutual friend's birthday party.

I said she could go with DS (aged 9). Set about 100 rules and panicked for about 10 minutes before going to get them (they were fine!).

This is now the 3rd night in a row they have 'gone out to play' and I don't like it! No particular reason, and I know my sister and I were playing out younger than this. They are around the corner down the road so just out of sight. Oh god, am I being really irresponsible or really overprotective (I honestly don't know!). Anyway, I am going to go and find them now, I don't like it!

[Choufleur]

YANBU to let them out to play, or worry. It's good that they have a little bit of freedom imo.

DS (5) is allowed to go the green next door but one to our house. I stand on his climbing frame in the back garden and surreptitiously watch.

[thelittlefriend]

Can they play somewhere in sight of your house so you can see them? Or maybe knowing a bit more about the other girls might make you feel better, could they come and play in your garden (if you have one) to see how they all get on?

[ManateeEquineOhara]

Thank you, I feel a bit less silly :)

They were on their way back with their new friend when I went to get them. I would feel happier if I knew the families a bit, but they dd all play in our garden for a bit the first day, and they seem like nice girls. There is not really anywhere to play right outside, where they seem to go is a cul de sac off the road around the corner where they can play on their scooters, which is safer in terms of cars I suppose.

My friends on facebook are most unhelpful when I posted an 'EEK' style status about this - and reference was made to her smoking spliffs and drinking cider. Not very reassuring

[thelittlefriend]

how hilarious of your facebook friends