Playing out then and now

[Anotherthink]

I've always had fond memories of playing out as a kid and assumed they were from when I was 10 and up. Tonight I've just worked out that I was actually 7 when I used to cross busy roads and go to the park and meet friends, knock for friends who lived really far away, out our money together and share a bag of chips for our lunch, go to the shop to get newspapers for my dad on a Saturday morning plus a bit extra for sweets (again, busy roads). I have an 8yo who I thought I was bringing up in a similar way and now I'm like WTF for so many reasons. I just can't imagine having let my 7 year old do any of those things and while they do lack some independence because of the last year, I don't think I've seen any 7 year olds wandering around like this since the 90s even basic skills of counting money in real life situations and timekeeping seem so incredibly far fetched, nevermind any safety/trust aspects.

I grew up in a city in 90s and now I'm in the country - would be interesting to hear others experiences!

Ahh so true. I also grew up in the 90's but in the suburbs / edge of town.
We used to go out on bikes from dawn until dusk. We played by lakes, gravel pits and swam in rivers! My eldest is now nearly 13 and I worry about him going into our very small city with a whole group of friends at the end of term.
Is the world a scarier place or are we all just more scared?

I think parenting has gone insane tbh. I thought I was normal and I am, but if I was transported back in to the 90s I'm pretty sure I would be viewed as a psycho! Kids are wrapped up in cotton wool and they'll turn out fine, but I love my childhood memories and I want them to have the same.