How old are your kids and how late can they play out?

[AhBiscuits]

We live in a quiet, safe cul-de-sac. My kids play out with the neighbour kids, there always seems to be a few out there if the sun is up. We all keep half an eye on them through the windows. 7 year old came in of his own accord because he wanted to go to bed. Asleep just after 8. Just dragged my 9 year old in to get ready for bed and she's complaining as her 7 year old friend is still playing out. First day of the summer holidays, they aren't doing anything in particular tomorrow. How late is reasonable?

I’ve just been on a thread where an 8 year old is not allowed downstairs on their own!

So, I dread what responses you’re going to get in here, be prepared.

Good luck with the summer holidays though, only six weeks to go 😃.

I just find it really difficult to know how much freedom to give them. DH had no freedom as a kid and I probably had too much.

I feel like I can allow mine a bit more freedom than some of their friends just because of where we live. Today me and next door have both had our doors open all day. Their kids and mine and have wandered freely between the houses and zoomed up and down the road on their scooters. They're all out there now playing some pretend game together. It's lovely for them.

My kids aren’t at that stage but like you I had no freedom but DH was regularly out scrumping. Last night there was a group of kids (4 age about 5-10) out until after 10pm (my bedtime) screaming at the top of their lungs. That was too late. 8 is probably my gut.

Bit different but we have a static caravan that we go to several times a year. We let the kids 6,8+10 play out until it gets dark so 9/10 in the summer.

I would have loved my kids to 'play out' when they were younger, but fat chance I would have found any other parents who would let their kids out of their sight pre 11 or 12 these days, which I think is a bit ridiculous.

You’ve got to think of your neighbours without children, I’d have under 10s in no later than 8! Children under 10 seem to shout and shriek more.