How much freedom does your 9 year old have?

[shallweshop]

My DD is 9 in a couple of weeks and is pushing for more freedom/independence. I already let her cycle round the block (on pavement) and she walks the last little bit into school on her own (just round the corner from the infants where I drop DS). She wants to go to the local shop which involves crossing a busyish road but there is a zebra crossing. I am such a worrier and finding it difficult to let go a bit but know I have to.

I'm like you. DD1 is 10 in January, she walks the last bit to school. Her main bit of 'freedom' is she walks home by herself on a Monday. My mum lives next to her school so nanny see's her across the road (very road when no school crossing. Has 4 roads onto it and the school). Mum then texts me while she walks/run around the corner. No roads for to cross.

I think doing this would be fine so long as you have taught her how to use a zebra crossing safely. Does it have lights? Also, many road accidents happen to children during their first few weeks at secondary school, so assuming that is only 2 years away, I would start allowing some freedoms now. In year 6 my DD did a school trip to Pembrokeshire and they were allowed free time in St David's without close teacher supervision. Making sure they know how to cross a road is imperative in my view. Cycling on the pavement is a no no iny book. What about old people and mums with babies? Anti social. Please try cycling with her on the road and teach her how to do it safely. Try cycle routes first but it is up to you to teach.

SOunds like you are doing just the right things - a little at first and gradually building up. Difficult for any one of us to judge your roads, your daughter's abilities, but in the blink of an eye she'll be a secondary when most of the road traffic accidents happen, as too many parents haven't given their dcs enough experience.

Thank you for your replies.

Blackmogul - I have taught her how to use the zebra crossing and to make sure the cars have stopped before crossing. The cycling thing is tricky because I hate cycling on the road and will only do off-road stuff. I have told her to be really careful about others and our area is really very quiet from a pedestrian point of view.