spinoff: to what age you'll let your child walk home alone

"The truth is, attempting to control and eliminate risk in our kids' lives has its own risks: dependent, helpless children; sedentary, indoor children; anxious, frightened children. I have seen them in my therapy office and beyond. These risks are real and harmful, while the risk of a crime against a child in any given moment is hypothetical."

Read more:
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/07/17/2011-07-17_ill_still_let_my_kids_walk_home_alone.html#ixzz1SkyeMuby

Thoughts?

Message edited 7/21/2011 12:33:17 PM.

Re: spinoff: to what age you'll let your child walk home alone

to me there is no "magic age" where I will allow him to do ANYTHING.. it's all about his maturity level and awarness.. so I can't answer this.


ok read most of it.. while I agree with her in theory... there is no way in HE!! I would leave my 9 year old when they could hae just come in the bathroom with me.

I see what she is saying but common sense has to prevail vs making a point.

Message edited 7/21/2011 12:51:37 PM.

Re: spinoff: to what age you'll let your child walk home alone

Re: spinoff: to what age you'll let your child walk home alone

Umm no.

I think that is a bit broad stroked and may be misunderstood. I let AJ play by herself and I'm just within eye sight and hearing. Sure I'm a hawk about it though, she's just nearly 3. I do see myself letting her do stuff on her own but at 9 I would not have been able to just let her walk home by herself. Nor do I see myself letting her do that in the future.

I think its like so many of us say here, moderation. Today is not like it was in the 70s & 80s, we are more away of the monsters that exist. I don't think we 'harm' our children by looking after them, walking behind him two blocks so he can't see, driving by a few times at the place he's at alone for a party, etc. Being the unseen but always constant life line is no real crime, JMHO.

Re: spinoff: to what age you'll let your child walk home alone

that's crap

You can make your children confident and independent without leaving them out there for predators to attack

You can have them get themselves ready for school, make their own snacks, do their own homework, make some of their own decisions -- THIS is what is important.

Leaving them "alone" is secondary IMO.

I grew up with 5 adults in my house, so I was never home alone -- up until probably High School. Should my parents have sat in a Starbucks (were there Starbuck's? LOL) for two hours a day so I could pretend to be home alone and grow to be independent?

Re: spinoff: to what age you'll let your child walk home alone

TEAM TILDE

I find this article infuriating.