To ask at what age you would let your DC go to a friend's house alone?

[Tigofigo]

Had an interesting discussion with a friend earlier who won't allow her y6 child play at a friend's house unaccompanied unless she knows the parents well. I remember as a child going to friend's houses who my parents didn't really know at all and have gone on instinct myself with these decisions Wondering if my friend is BU or is this normal?

Mine and their friends were in and out of each other houses from about 8yo. I probably knew most of the mums a bit, but rarely the dads. I did know that my DC wouldn't stay in a situation where they were uncomfortable and was fairly confident that would leave if there was anything they didn't like, but admittedly that relies on them being able to leave.

I suppose there is a risk, but there's quite a risk in not allowing children to develop skills needed for independence too.

There was one family, child clearly dirty and neglected who I had to mine quite a bit but didn't allow DS to go there.

I remember my sons first play date. Arranged with the mum, who dropped the child at our house and left. Didn’t come into the house, didn’t leave the street. Didn’t arrange a time to collect etc, literally just dropped and ran. The child was 5 years old. Scared the life out of me!

For me, it'll be a judgment call in each situation. Based on, how well I know the child, parents, cleanliness of the house, and my DC ability to tell me if anything had happened, and have a good understanding of what is and isn't appropriate.