At what age did you first let your child go out alone?

[franch]

And where to?

My very sensible and grown-up DD1 (7y) wants to go along to the corner shop on her own or with DD2 (5). It's only a hundred yards or so and the pavement outside it is visible from just outside our gate. I do let her post letters in the postbox along there but have always stood and watched - she has to go out of sight to reach the box itself and she always seems to disappear for far too long!

There's no road to cross and there are always people about; I'm sure she'd be fine but I do have nightmares about someone whisking her away ... though I know that's possible at any age and she has to start sometime ... I'm just not sure if now's the time!

God, when I think of the things I used to get up to at that age, my agonising seems very silly ...

It is very silly! She'll be absolutely fine.

I'm inclined to agree. Thanks Bristol.

sounds fine to me

Yes, sounds fine to me as well. DS was going to the corner shop from 7yo.

i would let her, dd age 5 plays out alone, generally with in sight.

preperation is key in ensuring she is able to understand personal safety and shout help! stranger! or similar very loudly if required.

I would let a 5 year old do that... so a 7 year old, fine, no bother.

I agree thats fine too. I let my 6 year old play outside our house (not a busy road). However, I know I am in the minority! I don't know any of his friends who are allowed to do that.

Great, thanks all. I know there's no fixed age for any of these things - my instincts are telling me she's fine, but I did want to check with you lot that I wasn't being totally mad. All I know is what I did as a kid (pretty much total freedom from a very early age!), but I grew up in a small village in the 70s which doesn't help much with bringing kids up in London in the 21st century.

Yup, would let a 7 and 5 year old do that in those circumstances.

My oldest dds are nearly 10 and 8 and from last year onwards I let them walk to the paper shop alone which is about a 10 min walk - up to the top of the road to the main road with a few side streets to cross. I was a bit nervous the first time but they were fine. They like the independence.

I send 6 year old dd to the shop on the corner 100 yards away with some money and a note for shopkeeper usually saying I need time of beans etc . Dd feels ever so grown up getting my shopping for me and it helps them get used to usin money

So pleased to have unanimous encouragement. Thanks all. DD1 is most chuffed :)

Yes I agree it sounds like a great way to give her that first bit of independence.