To ask what age you would let your kids go to the park alone?

[hellofrommetoyou]

Would you let a 7 year old girl and 10 year old boy to go to the park alone? Park is a two minute walk round the corner but cannot be seen from my house. No roads to cross on the way, just a huge big grassy area.

[Waxonwaxoff0]

Depends on you area. Where I live, absolutely not. I won't be allowing DS out on his own until he is at secondary school.

[Ilovegreentomatoes]

No I think 13+ tbh.

[Zancah]

I have a very similar situation, with both the ages and the distance to the park.

I let mine go.

[Merryoldgoat]

No. I’d want the youngest to be 10. That was how old I was and I remember feeling a bit anxious but excited and not scared.

I have an 8yo and he no way is old enough and it’s not fair for the 10yo to be responsible for the younger one.

[skeggycaggy]

I would.

[Camomila]

Depends on the area and sensibleness of the children, I'd probably let my 2DSs at that age.

[GoodbyeH]

@Ilovegreentomatoes

No I think 13+ tbh.

That's extreme!

I would say try it. You could pop over and see what they are up too.

[Aquamarine1029]

Depends on several factors. The area, the specifics of the park (is it secluded or highly visible), and most importantly the children's maturity level. Some 10 year olds are very sensible, some should never be left unattended and definitely not put into a position of responsibility for a 7 year old.

[hellofrommetoyou]

Area is a nice, safe area. Small seaside town with low crime rates. I just can't decide.

[lioncitygirl]

No.

[LST]

I am in this exact predicament. My 9 year old and 7 year old. We live right by a park but I can't see it. I think I'd prefer my 7 year old to be 9 if I am honest.

[Waxonwaxoff0]

13+ isn't extreme depending on where you live. At my local park there are horrendous cases of bullying, a video circulated on social media recently of kids being forced to lick the shoes of local bullies. Plus there are often thieves who steal bikes off kids on their own.

[WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants]

Depends on the park
Depends on the area
Depends on the individual children

[mamma2013]

I'd say you'll know when its the right time because you wont be questioning it. It will just feel right.

[FedNlanders]

Year 6. I can see it out my window, but just better to be sure.

[greensnail]

Yes, my children did at that age.

[LadyCatStark]

Yes as long as the 10 year old can be trusted to keep an eye on the 7 year old.

[hopingforabrighterfuture2021]

Depends on the area.
Depends on the personalities of the kids.
Depends on the park.

Mine are nearly 12 and 8. The older one goes to the park on her own (meets friends), but I wouldn’t be happy with the younger one going with her yet.

[Spanglebangle]

I would if they went together, stayed together and came home every 30 minutes to check in.

[elaeocarpus]

If the park is out of sight, no for me.

I wouldn't want /trust the 10 yr old to be responsible for a 7 yr old. If they run into friends at the park it would be too easy for them to get caught up in playing and not be aware of where/what the younger one was doing. If they were the sort of 10yr old that did take their responsibility seriously they would then be unhappy about acting as the 'parent' to the younger one and not able to play.

[Dipi79]

Absolute yes from me. Children need some independence.

[TweeterandtheMonkeyman]

I let my 10 year old go to the park with a friend (similar distance, nice area etc) , and I have just started to let her 8 year old sibling go too for short amounts of time. And also walk to the corner shop (1 road to cross )

[Rosehassometoes]

From 11 and 8. 15 min walk away. Allowed out for 1.5 hours. Have a phone.

[Woodlandbelle]

10 is of course fine in a safe area. I wouldn't feel comfortable at 7 at all. But what ages do children play out where you are?

[Bibidy]

Depends on the children in question I think.

My SCs are 11 and 7, I think the older one would be totally fine and would look after the younger, but think the 7yo would be nervous and end up coming home in tears quite quickly.