Garden safety

[Westonkarl]

Hello,
My ex partner has taken my little girl to live in a house next to a semi busy road which has a 60mph speed limit. There is no fence enclosing the garden so my little girl can run directly on to the road. My partner doesn't seem worried about it.

Am I over reacting by saying it's not safe? What can I do to demonstrate / show her it is not safe?

Thanks for your help!

Karl

How old is your little girl?

Tbh I think this is a non issue. Many people live in houses with this exact same situation.

Do you not trust her mum?

Well however old your little girl is, I think she needs reminding about road dangers. With the set up you mention, if she is eight or under, she either needs to have an adult in the garden with her, and actually watching her, at all times, or the garden needs securing before she can play out there.

If she is nine or above, and NT, she should be fine, but whatever her age (before teens) she should have an occasional discussion with a trusted adult about all sorts of ways to keep safe, including road safety. I would also be worried about her vunerability in the garden to other sorts of dangers, from strange adults, violent youths, savage dogs etc.

Is there any way that you could encourage, and fund if necessary, her mum putting up a secure fence? I would have sleepless nights if I knew my young daughter was living in such a dangerous situation. You are a very good Dad for thinking about this in the first place, and for caring enough to do something about it.

I disagree with the PP and think you're right to be concerned. It sounds unsafe. Is the garden at the front or back? Would it be feasible to put a fence on even a low wall in?

How big a rural plot? Acres or feet?

If there really is no barrier (hedge, wall, ditch etc) between garden and the road then it doesn't sound too safe assuming your child is young. How about suggesting sharing the cost or helping in some way with installation of a hedge? Other than that, talk lots to your child about road safety.

Thanks all, some great answers so far.

My daughter is 3 and incredibly active. She loves being outdoors running around.

The garden used to be enclosed but a previous owner removed the fencing to improve the view. It would be quite easy to replace them.

At this point I just wanted to work out if I was over reacting by saying it's not safe.

You can trust your instincts @Westonkarl they are spot on!
I hope your ex is sensible about this, and that between you you can arrange for a replacement fence.