WIBU to let my five year old walk 20 houses down while I watched her?!

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

I'm stuck at home today as my youngest DD is poorly... She's alternating between screaming about her ears and falling asleep with a high temperature and had just fallen asleep on the sofa when our friend about 20 houses down text and invited older DD for a play date.

I explained I couldn't leave, she said the same re her youngest, so I stood out on the end of my drive and watched her walk 20 houses down to where my friend was waiting. No problem...

Until DH called to check in and I mentioned DD1 was at a play date, and he asked if I'd managed to take DD2 out... I said no and that she'd walked herself, with me watching! And he went crazy.

WIBU?? Is such a short distance really that risky??

[EarthboundMisfit]

Sounds OK to me depending on the 5yo.

[MidnightVelvetthe5th]

How busy is the road?

[Jelliedeels]

Sorry but no I wouldn't do that.

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

It's a side street, but averagely busy... There's a doctors surgery and a parade of shops around the corner so people do cut down here.

[Abraid2]

YANBU.

[Discopanda]

Tbh I think it depends on your area and how road safety conscious they were, how quickly could you run out if they were snatched?

[TormundGiantsbabe]

If she's in full view all the time then there's no problem imo. Although I'd just bung the baby in the sling or pushchair anyway.

[Looly71]

Yanbu. You had eyes on her at all times. I presume your neighbour will ring when she's sending her back. She will never be out of anyone's sight. It's good to give them little bit of independence.

[BertrandRussell]

So you were watching, your friend was watching and it's 20 houses? You could see her all the way and no roads to cross? And she's done the walk lots of times before with you?

Sounds fine to me.

[CremeEggThief]

No problem.

[FirstWeTakeManhattan]

I tend towards being cautious, but I can't quite make up my mind with this. It depends on the road, the distance and the child I suppose.

For example 20 terraced houses on a quiet road might be fine. On our road, 20 houses is nearly half the road length, and quite a long way, but a quiet road most of the time. 5 is young though. On balance, I might have let my 6 year old DD, but no, probably not my 5 year old DS (bit unpredictable at that age).

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

It's mostly 1930's semi detached houses with space / garages to the sides so it is longer that 20 terraced houses, but she's very sensible.

[eltsihT]

I have sent my just 5yo about 10 houses away to borrow cellotape.

My Dh twitched the whole time. Ds went collected cellotape job done.

I think what you did was fine. I think the parent who is with the kids less is often more cautious. It's certainly the case with me and dh

[Lovelydiscusfish]

If you could see her all the way it sounds fine. Was your dh worried she would step out I to the road? To be honest, unless you hold their hand or stand right next to them all the way, they can do that if they really mean to. What you did seems to me no more dangerous than letting a five year old run, scoot or cycle 10 meters ahead of you on a walk. I know not everyone does this, but many do.

[LucyBabs]

You could see your 5 year old dd the whole time, your friend was waiting and watching. She didn't have to cross a road. Nope I don't see a problem at all. What exactly did your dh think could happen?

Also how could she have possibly been "snatched" ? While two adults were watching the child

[2plus1plusL1]

I let my child do similar - usually to meet DH on his way back from work - I can see her the whole time and I actually think it gives her a sense of freedom and independence in a totally safe way.
DH enjoy getting met on way home and hasn't raised any issues with it so he's happy.

[TheSolitaryBoojum]

I wouldn't have done it, 20 semi-detached houses with garages is too much for my comfort zone but you know your child and the area.
Not just the snatching which takes seconds, but cars mounting pavements, random dogs, loss of line of sight...too many things for me to fret about.
But then, I've taught reception.

[lalalalyra]

So she walked along a path in view of two adults? Not seeing the issue in that at all as long as she's not the kind of kid to wander into the road.

[LBOCS2]

cars mounting pavements, random dogs

But those are risks whether there's an adult standing next to the 5yo or not?

I think it's fine OP.

[Wolfiefan]

I wouldn't. Why could the friend not walk a bit up the road to meet her?

[TheSolitaryBoojum]

No judging from me, that's why I said I wouldn't have done it.
Not 'You shouldn't have done it'

[alleypalley]

Tbh, whilst I'm not saying that I wouldn't do it necessarily, I'd rather leave a child asleep at home on their own for a few minutes than a 5 yr old walk along a road with traffic on their own.

[zad716]

LBOCS2 An adult though should be more aware of these potentials risks and better at dealing with them.

Personally I'm undecided - I would have to know the road (width of pavement, etc) to decide whether I would be happy.

[LadyStarkOfWinterfell]

Why didn't your friend walk up to get her?

[branofthemist]

I wouldn't have. I don't think you are wrong to do it. But I also understand your dh not being happy about it.