Am I bad for not letting my DD (8yrs old) play out in my area?

[Mumofthree92]

Ok so my 8yr old dd has started complaining that she’s never allowed out by herself.

Tbh in the area were I live it’s not the lovely suburban area u see in all the films.

It’s a busy cars driving about like idiots always police chases, drunks and drugged up ppl wandering around.

So I don’t feel comfortable letting her out as she has no sense of stranger danger, and she likes to stare at people which doesn’t always go down well.

Her main argument with me is that on an evening around 9/10pm she can hear seen children younger than her playing out on the street without there mums or dads.

Which to me I find worrying that they would be out at this time.

My dd is very strong minded young lady but she does overreact to things, so when I’m explaining to her that’s it’s not safe for her to be roaming the streets on an evening I get the whole “ ur the worst mum in the world , ur so unfair, I hate you” screamed at me.

I just think should I let her go out or should I stand my ground and wait until I know she will be able to keep herself safe.

Sorry about the long post just had to get it off my chest xx

Stand your ground , she will thank you for it one day

Let her try. If it doesn't work, she'll have the winter to mature before trying again. Your DD will have to go out sometime OP.

I think it's horrible for kids to play out at the front of the house. No-one does it where I live and I would never have been allowed to as a child.
However I did go out, riding my bike, to the park or shops, as did my offspring but not at night. Back garden or indoors was for playing with friends.

I think it's horrible for kids to play out at the front of the house

What on earth is "horrible" about a child playing outside his or her home?

My children do and so do those of our neighbours....but we live in a safe, quiet village.

There's certainly nothing horrible about it thank you.

But OP YANBU at all...I wouldn't let her either if the area isn't that safe.

No I wouldn't allow it. You've got a very good reason for not allowing it. I'd also make sure there was some consequence for her shouting at you.

Imo 9-10pm is too late for kids to be out playing, that's the time at the very latest they should be winding down for the night. Depending on their age of course.

Maybe comprimise and set some boundaries? Curfew at 7.30 and not allowed past a certain street for example? The only way she'll learn street smarts is being exposed to the street. Any sign of issues or her not respecting the boundaries then the outdoor privilege can be revoked. Better her go out under your "supervision" at this age than her starting just not to come in after school and avoiding you until she comes into eat and sleep.