How old should a DD be when you let her go to the loo in a restaurant out of your sight in a foreign country?

[Bonsoir]

My DD is 6.7. She is quite used to going to the loo with another child (not me) when we are out and about at home in France or in England. We were in another country recently and she needed to go to the loo. No other child was available/willing to go with her to the loo, which was down a flight of stairs. Was I being OTT by going with her?

I let dd1 go on her own last year on holiday in places I could see the toilet entrance. She was 7. If it's on a different floor I think older than 10.

Thanks! I so don't want to be over bearing!

Would you be shocked if you saw a mother get up in a restaurant and walk round to cut up a 7 year old's meat (which was very tender), rather than letting her use a knife and fork.

It depends on if the child asked her. I normally expect dd1 to do her own, but if she is tired and kicking up a fuss I help her. She is allowed to use knives, even large kitchen knives under supervision. She also uses the hobs, the kettle and the forman grill (for toasties). I think it is important to teach basic kitchen skills and independance as early as possible.

I have to say I was very surprised! My DD hasn't asked me to cut food for her for years.

She was probably tired. Dd1 was pushedback to the hotel in a buggy last year on our holiday . 3 yo dd2 spent the nights dancing away until the wee hours

Perhaps.

What do you think about a seven year old, if asked whether she would like to do something fun, replies "It's my mum who decides."

Are we stealth revealing that this is not your DD but your friend's DD?

"It's my mum who decides" is odd. "Yes but I have to ask my mum" would be more normal. The difference is pretty subtle though. If it were an adult then I'd almost think she didn't want to do the activity but knew it was impolite to say so, so wanted someone else's decision to be the reason she said no.

No, two different children here.

The child in question very clearly expressed her desire to do the activity to another child and in indirect ways. But when asked directly, that was the response.