...I've just let the dds (aged 9.5 and 7) go to the local park alone.
It is 2 minutes walk from here, but not within eyeshot. They will have to cross 2 roads - 1 is very quiet, and the other is quiet, but also has a zebra crossing. They are very familiar with the park, have been going there since they are born. They are going to stay in the area of the park nearest to the house, and are coming back in 1/2 hour.(they have a watch).
They know this is a trial run, and that if they come back with tales of arguments / misdemeanours / problems, they won't be allowed to do it again. I think it is a good chance for them to gain a little independence in as safe an environment as it is possible to give them, while still being independent (iyswim).
Would you have done this? Am I mad? They are both fairly sensible, dd1 more so than dd2...