What age to play out away from the house?

[Yellowdaff25]

Hi all,

Just looking for other peoples opinions on this.

What age would you will be comfortable letting your child play outside out of view of the house?

We are lucky enough to live in a nice area in a large new build estate so it feels quite safe and I see a lot of children roaming about far out of sight of their homes but it does make me horribly anxious.

My son is 6 (7 next month) and so far I have only let him play in the garden or in front of the house where I can see him. He wants to start going further by himself now that he has learned to ride his bike.

Not sure if I’m just being too overprotective😨

I was allowed to play out from about 5 and I did the same with my children.

Absolutely not at 6, he's too young. I wouldn't be able to relax if l let my 6yr old venture out by themselves. I grew up during the 90s and even then it was a no no.

I live in a close and my son plays out (5) but I can see him at all times from the kitchen window. I let my 2 yo play out if the teenage girls in the close are happy to keep an eye on her

Once they started school. That’s the norm were we are. They are allowed to play in the Estate but not out with

I also grew up in the 90s and me and all of the kids on the street were out by ourselves all day😳 It was definitely the norm where I lived

Not for me, maybe my parents were too overprotective

I think these things are regional and area specific. 6 to me feels to young, 8-9 to agreed places all a max 5 min walk from your house would be my rule.

Agree with this. At 6 they’re still so little. It’s only recently I’ve felt comfortable letting my 8 year old play out of my sight- in a specified place round the corner- as he seems to have developed some sense and perspective.

My older dc grew up in the 90s and never 'played out' nor my younger children.

Children just don't it where we live.