When do you stop supervising toddlers?

[HoustonBess]

DH and I took DD (2.5) to a friend's small house party last weekend. There were a couple of other toddlers there aged 3.

Other toddlers were allowed to play unsupervised in a room away from the adults and in the garden. They seemed totally fine and I was happy to let DD join them but I'd usually keep a closer eye than that.

Just wondering if we're the exception or they are? I leave DD in a room for a couple of minutes at home but not for extended periods. She also doesn't climb stairs by herself yet.

Are we being overprotective or sensible? DD is fairly smart and not a climb the walls or risk taking type.

The words 'toddlers' and 'unsupervised' don't belng in the same sentence.

My youngest is 3 and I would not leave her unsupervised anywhere (other than home). But then it really does depend on where you are, and the temperament of your child. We've been to friends houses and I've been happy to let her play but I regularly check on her. But I knew my friends house was safe (doors locked, stairgates on, things like that).

Ah thanks! Not just me then

When they stop being toddlers.

DS is nearly 6, and it's only since he turned 5 that it was safe to even let him play in another room.

Well leaving toddlers for long periods unsupervised is asking for trouble however I think in a safe room that is in earshot with someone checking every now and then is fine.

What shocks me most about your post though is that a 2.5 year old can't use stairs I mean surely she's been walking for well over a year she must be capable. Has she just got used to you holding her hand and now won't do it without you? Both of mine were reasonably late walkers (15 months) but they never had any aid from me holding their hands or walking them everywhere. By 18 months both capable of going up and down stairs. I always made sure I stood close enough to save them if they slipped but I never held hands and by 2.5 they were more than capable of doing it and sure yours could too

It happened in stages I think.
Between 2-3 he could wander further away from me as long as we were in a safe, child friendly space (EG very small soft play, friend with similar age children's house or garden) and I could always see him.
Age 3-4 gradually letting him go out of my eye sight eg room next door, or upstairs for a couple of minutes.
Then it built up from there.
Ds is six now though and I'd still only be happy with him out of my sight somewhere very safe.