Letting children out of sight at a park

[Bbqchicken]

If you meet up with a group of friends and their children at a park within walking distance of your home, take picnics you have a lot of laughs play games drink etc. Would you let your primary school age children go off out of sight while you sit chatting with friends into the evening? AIBU to think it's irresponsible? If I did that and anything happened to my child age 7/8 I'd never forgive myself.

Kids that age play out unsupervised where I live. Although it's a pretty rough area with lots of boy racers so I've always thought I wouldn't be happy.

It's a cultural thing. Studies from other countries show quite clearly that children of this age are old enough, although having good road crossing facilities is a factor too.

“It's a cultural thing. Studies from other countries show quite clearly that children of this age are old enough, although having good road crossing facilities is a factor too.“

primary aged children, from whatever culture, are unable to assess speed and distance above 20 mph.

Some children will be ready at 7/8 to he out of sight in a park or walk home from school and some won't. Most parents care about their child and are best placed to assess the risks and the child and make a decsion.

It is really rude/judgemental of the posters to say those who would allow their child to do these things don't care or are lazy. Just accept children are different. If you would not be comfortable with child walking home from school collect them, some children are perfectly safe to do it though. My first child is naturally cautious (possibly over cautious) so i am not concerned about her crossing roads or talking to strangers. My second child is more full of fun but easily distracted so the age for them walking home alone will be older. My first child walks home with her friends while i walk home with younger child so definitely not laziness to allow her I am there at the school anyway. She enjoys the social aspect of walking with her friends independently.

Many schools do allow children from p4 (age 7) onwards to walk home so it is certainly not a national rule that children can't be capable.