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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to let my 9 and 7 year old play at the park on their own??

54 replies

alfiesmadmother · 24/02/2011 13:46

The park is 5 mins from home, both my sons are sensible and they are desperate to get to the park, my DH is notoriously over protective so I can't gain perspective.

On the one hand they will enjoy the freedom. On the other I keep imagining them being kidnapped.

WWYD??

The baby is in bed BTW

OP posts:
TryingVeryHard · 24/02/2011 14:35

I totally see why you're letting them go but I know I'd be too worried and probably spend all the time at the window watching them. I'm such a worrier Sad

crazygracieuk · 24/02/2011 14:42

My 9 and 7 year olds are at the park now. They check in with dh or me every hour and have to come home and tell me if they are going to the shops or to other people's houses. They also know to come and go together and if they aren't together then they are to come home if no friends are availBle.

GiddyPickle · 24/02/2011 14:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

stiflersmom · 24/02/2011 14:52

Hmm, I wish I could send mine, I feel sad that they have no freedom

I loved going out and spending time away from home when I was their age

but these days, I would be worried that

a) they would piss people off and I wouldn't be there to sort it out - other people's children aren't used to dealing with unaccompanied peers

b) some fucking do-gooder would take it upon themselves to interfere/question my children/call the rozzers

mumbar · 24/02/2011 14:54

I let DS 6 go to the park opposite my house. I can see it from lounge, kitchen, his bedroom and bathroom though.

I tend to busy myself with housework so I can watch him.

GloriaSmut · 24/02/2011 15:12

Just out of interest, giddypickle, how do you plan to cope with your nearly eleven year old going to secondary school on his own if he's not even allowed to the park yet?

GiddyPickle · 24/02/2011 15:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

veritythebrave · 24/02/2011 15:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GloriaSmut · 24/02/2011 15:29

My apologies, giddy I hadn't realised your ds also had a medical condition. I can quite understand why you'd be concerned about sending him off to the park with a younger sibling.

OTheHugeManatee · 24/02/2011 15:37

I would. When I was 7 I was off on my bike in the surrounding area (small town in South Germany) and often made up picnics to take to the woods, with friends, a couple of miles away and unaccompanied by an adult.

9 is plenty old enough, as long as they know they're responsible for their younger sibling.

GiddyPickle · 24/02/2011 15:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

gordyslovesheep · 24/02/2011 15:43

my 6 and 8 year olds are currently out playing now

AnnoyingOrange · 24/02/2011 15:43

mine were playing out with friends at that age

flatmouse · 24/02/2011 15:56

Mine won't even go out on their bikes in this lovely sunshine - driving me crazy - think i should just ban them from house.

HappyMummyOfOne · 24/02/2011 16:11

Upto the parent, DS is roughly the same age as your youngest and I dont let him play out alone yet. May relax a little in summer but not sure yet. Our park is ten minutes away and I go with him and read whilst he plays and will continue to do so for a good while yet.

medicalmayhem · 24/02/2011 17:16

unless i could see them from my kitchen window no way would i have ever let mine go to park on their own at that age, sorry, where i live it is the other older sometimes spiteful kids that would be more of a problem then anything else!

FabbyChic · 24/02/2011 17:22

When I was 7 I used to go over the park and in the play hut doing activities. It seems now that children are no longer allowed out, because people just do not believe they are safe.

Such a shame I'm 47 this year.

cybilliberty · 24/02/2011 17:23

I played on a building site when I was 7. And found nudey mags

It was quite an education, I can tell you

cybilliberty · 24/02/2011 17:24

And flatmouse my boys are the same-its like trying to get limpets off a boat crow barring them outside

Asinine · 24/02/2011 17:24

I sent mine 12,10,8 and 6 out today, but did spy out the window on and off. The only thing that puts me off is that no one else seems to do it.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 24/02/2011 17:26

Mine played out in our close at that age. Don't think there are that many kidnappers about - 24 hour rolling news just gives us that impression.

kerrymumbles · 24/02/2011 17:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

biryani · 24/02/2011 18:14

YANBU. I used to play out with friends from about 5 and DD is allowed to walk to school and runs errands to the local shops etc. I'd be very happy to let her play in the park but her mates aren't allowed to. Go with your instincts and just do what you think is best. The risk of abduction by a stranger is so small as to be non-existent, according to a book I've read, so try not to be swayed by panic-mongers.

secretdcaddict · 24/02/2011 18:20

It sounds like you are very close to the park and i think it would be ok to let them go.
But make sure you give them a set time to come home

magnolia74 · 24/02/2011 18:20

The park here is at the end of our road so no roads to cross and a 2 minute or less walk. The twins have been going since age 9 and they are now 11.5 and go with dd4 7 and ds1 4 for short periods.

I want to let dd4 8 in june go herself this summer but dh says no Sad
might show him this thread