Have I done the right thing?

[Voidka]

I have just let DS out with some friends on his bike. They have gone to a playing field about half a mile from here. He hasnt ever gone so far on his own and I feel bizarrely nervous.

I am worrying over nothing aren't I. He is nearly 11.

[nocake]

Yes, you're worrying about nothing. He'll be absolutely fine. Put your feet up and enjoy the peace and quiet.

[VelvetSnow]

He'll be loving it!

He's with friends, he'll be fine :)

[TrillianAstra]

YABU because you have not asked an AIBU question.

YANBU to let your 11 year old play with friends on a nearby playing field during daylight hours.

[Voidka]

Sorry Trills

[cantfindamnnickname]

He's 11 - he will be fine

Surely he is at Senior school?

[Voidka]

He is nearly 11, so in year 6.

[Cheeseandharps]

You're doing the right thing - I mean letting him go. 10-11 is an ideal age to give DC more freedom, as they have a bit more common sense. You are worrying over nothing, but I was exactly the same when DD started go out on her own.

[fourkids]

You have done the right thing IMO, but that doesn't mean it isn't hard and you won't sit and bite your nails till he gets back!

[EmpressOfTheSevenOceans]

YANBU.

DD's just 11 (also Yr 6) and we've been letting her do that sort of thing since Easter, she knows when she has to be in and that she has to answer her phone if we call her. They'll be taking themselves to secondary school next year, they need to be doing this now.

Enjoy the quiet - but I do know it's scary!

[redexpat]

Yes you have done the right thing. Presumably he has a watch and knows what time you want him back?

[betterwhenthesunshines]

Yep - you have to start the ball rolling somewhere. Let my son (10 in Oct) walk to park with the dog for first time this summer. We made him wear his watch and BE HOME ON TIME OR THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN FOR AGES. And he arrived back home as expected. Still nerve racking the whole time though :o

[aldiwhore]

You're completely doing the right thing but YANBU about fretting. You would BU if you weren't!!!

[Voidka]

He is still my baby, I dont want him to grow up and be a teenager

:o

[EmpressOfTheSevenOceans]

I know EXACTLY how you feel!

But then I think back to when I was a child & going out with my mates at age 8 or 9 was normal....