When do you start to let "go" of your children?

[Blossomhill]

Funny question I know. It's just after reading about an 8 yr old walking home from school it really has made me think.
To be perfectly honest it wouldn't even cross my mind to let me 8 yr old walk home on his own. I am not putting anyone down that does btw.
Just saying that I wouldn't feel happy in myself doing it. Infact I still cross my ds's hand when crossing roads.
I just don't know when I will be able to say right he can go out without an adult.

Thanks for not reporting me to Social services!
I have been over and over what could possibly go wrong. Worst case scenario (sorry to be morbid) one of them cuts, electrocutes, falls etc himself and is seriously injured. I am always contactable by phone so assuming only one is injured I would instruct them to get help from the neighbours and could be back within 5 minutes. The chances of both being injured at the same time are a risk I think I will take as it is one of those one in a hundred million chance things.
In fact while I'm out they watch TV and have never budged an inch by the time i get back so hopefully injuries will be unlikely. (Having said that, my friend's ds seriously injured his head playing monopoly so I am aware anything could happen.)

As you say Zaza, they also enjoy it.I have made such a big deal about being so responsible and sensible that they take it really seriously and feel incredibly grown up.

Sounds like I'm trying to justify myself...