Quick answers needed - AIBU about my DD going to the park...

[parkgate]

With her 12 year old step sister (averagely responsible for her age) DD is 5 years old...

It's a 10 minute walk from the house with 1 main road with traffic lights.

They were at home today with my partner and he has just messaged me to say he's let them go alone... I'm hyperventilating and wondering... AIBU??!

Agree that a lot depends on the behaviour of the 5 year old.

It's the 'what-ifs' isn't it... I always go by the thought that if someone else did it - and something bad happened - and it appeared in the paper... would I judge the parent?

And in this instance I have to say I probably would... I'll just judge my DP though.. much more satifying

As for risk adverse... DD doesn't have any fears whatsoever... DSD is sensible until a cute boy comes on the scene and then forget it!

They're on their way home now. I think the most annoying thing is that it's now set a precident.

It's set a precedent that they can be responsible and independent.

It's set a precedent that they can be trusted.

Which is great.

Precedents are not always bad- this is a good one!

A 12-year old is high school age and a 5-year old should know enough to do as they're told when they're out or they don't get to go.

I'd let them, it will be exciting and show them that you trust them.

I would be fine with this but of course it depends on the children involved- my nephew 9.9 took my 5 9 DS1 to the park last weekend -about 5 mins walk - there were no roads to cross. My 5 yo is pretty sensable mind. I wouldn't let go to one where they had to cross a busy road with no traffic lights but if there was a crossing I would have probably been ok. I didn't ask my DH before I did it

Thanks all. I've chilled out about it now

I supose it's because it was kind of thrown at me and I'd rather be at home the first few times DD did this so I would be nearer if anything happened, I work about half an hour away and felt a bit helpless.

Clever girls though, they had a great time

Does 12 yr old have a mobile phone to contact you if she needs to?

My friend let's her DSD also 12 take her DD's (6 and 7). I won't let my DS go - but then again he's far more of a risk taker and does death defying stunts when I'm watching.

He does go to the park over the road from mine though.

Depends on the 12yo & the 5yo.
I could imagine DS1 (sensible, adores DS3) taking DS3 (placid, not impulsive).
But DS1 (loathes DS2) taking DS2 (argumentative maniac....) the mere idea makes me shudder. .

My dd (13) walks up to the shop sometimes with ds (7) I would feel more comfortable if he held her hand even just crossing the road but he wont. I may need her to pick him up from school on the odd occasion (there schools are next door to each other) but I am already bricking it, as he likes to run about and will not appreciate her telling him off infront of his friends