how much freedom for an 8year old?

[misdee]

dd1 wants more freedome. we live on a busy road. she wants to go and see her friend who lives a few streets away.

so i need to make sureshe knows the safe crossing points to get to her friends. and how to tell the time correctly (she is till a bit unsure) get her a watch so she comes home on time. and make sure she knows our phone number for emergencies.

do you think this is ok for a 8yr old to go out by herself less than an mile from home?

[worried]

[cotton wool mummy]

I think the fact that she has asked for more independence is a great sign.

You've obviously covered the safety issues with her, and you could follow at a discrete distance the first couple of times.

It is a good age to start learning that if you stay within the boundaries, you build up trust, and then you get more independence.

It's scary at first, but I think you're doing the right thing.

yes, I think you're doing the right thing too, particularly if you cover things like crossing safely, stranger danger and phone number.

Far too many children aren't given any freedom and as a result have no idea how to cross roads safely or how to behave on your own in public when they start secondary school.

she is at the end of year three. when she starts secondry in year 7, she is going to have to ride there alone. and thats about 3miles away. its near the in-laws house as well so she can leave the bike there. i know she needs to do this, and i think starting now gives her a good basis, right?

i am so nervous.

until now she has just been allowed out round the frnt anf two cul-de-sacs.