WWYD child unattended (6)

[SL472947]

I don't know what to do.

My DD6 has informed me that her dad (who she sees every other weekend) has let her go into a home bargains by herself while he waits outside with his dog.

He says that he has done it twice as it's teaching her self confidence and she can listen.

Personally I wouldn't allow her to do that alone as she is only 6. I can't explain to him that it isn't a safe thing to do as he wouldn't take anything I say onboard.

WWYD?

If he’s outside the store what do you think is going to happen?

Presumably she’s just buying sweets or whatever?

You are overreacting, he's her Dad and he's outside

It’s not like he’s sent her off to the shops on her Todd, he’s outside waiting and watching. He’s not wrong - he is teaching her responsibility.

it may not be what you would do, but it’s not inherently and absolutely unsafe.

Hes outside, there’s nothing wrong with this.

I thought you meant left her and went out. I think what he’s doing is ok, he’s outside so she can’t leave the store and she knows where he is.

Sorry OP but I agree with above, I don't think he is wrong.

It's probably the safest way to start teaching a bit of independence. Noone could get her out of the shop without him seeing. I imagine she isn't idly roaming the cleaning product aisle, she's gone in, chosen and paid for her own sweets and come back out again.

I understand your worries, but I was smothered and over-protected as a child and it did me no good at all. I am sure your DD will be fine.

This is absolutely fine, he probably realised your dd is mollycoddled by you and is trying to teach her some life skills and independence.

I think this is OK as well

I think that’s fine! If he’s outside she can’t go anywhere!

Can you articulate why you find it irresponsible?

Personally I don’t see an issue with this and agree he’s teaching her some responsibility and life skills.

Seems fine to me.

I think letting her go in whilst he is outside is OK. Obviously the other way round would be a complete no!

I don’t see the issue, I think it’s fine.

See I'm going against the grain here I agree with the OP I don't think this ok at all she's ONLY 6! I would be fuming if this was my child x

Why though? What’s the risk?

The title is a bit dramatic. He's not left her to go clubbing. He's helping her learn vital skills in a safe and controlled way.

If he’s outside waiting I wouldn’t have an issue with this.

If he is waiting outside, I can't see the problem. I'm assuming that there is only one exit?

What are you worried might happen?

It's a different parenting decision. That's all.

This smacks of you trying to find fault with the other parent.

Nah i wouldnt have an issue with this, i would let a 6 year old go into a shop alone as long as i was outside it and could see the door. not under 6 though but i think 6 is a good age and definitely good to learn.

I think this is fine. Teaches them a little independence and confidence. Mine loved being able to pay themselves in shops at that age.

I don’t think I’d do it but I’m not sure what you think might happen if he’s outside?