I won't let my kids go outside unless I am with them - because of Sex Predators - Am I the only one?

Question

More and more this summer, I notice neighborhood kids running around alone (like when I was young), but times are soooo different now - with all of the missing children websites out there, am I overreacting or are other parents just unaware of all of the kids that are abducted each year? Most of my friends are like me - but I know of three other families that the kids run around all day/and night - while the parents aren't even home... I can't even imagine...Let me know what you think!

Answer 1

I am sooooo completely with you! it only takes one time! There are way too many sick people out there, and yes it would be easier to just tell your kids to got out and play but soo not worth it and props to you for not being lazy! Keep a close watch on those babies! there is nothing more valuable

Answer 2

Well I personally think it is good that you are worried what might happen to your kids because most parents don't. I say each year they get older you let them go out on there own. like you can start with them only playing and the front or back yard. then and the street Right in front of your house. when you think they are ready to be out until a certain time well then you have let yourself know that you don't have to be there that much. just make sure you know where there are going and what they will be doing. I know that you are a great parent. so try it and see what happens.

Answer 3

I fear letting my kids get to far out of sight, your exactly right you don't know whos out there anymore. Gone are the days of running around the neighbourhood safely. How old are your kids?
I think it's important to teach our children of the dangers that lurk, but also I don't think it's a good idea to keep them locked up indoors or stuck to your hips. As they get older you will have to let the leash extend a little, and yes it's going to be nerv racking on you but set limits, like come home and check up, follow the family rules about being out alone, call once in a while for updates. Younger children I think need to be supervised at all times. Just remember to try and let your kids be kids, you don;'t want them growing up in fear of everything.

Answer 4

Days are different then we were younger. Even if there were sex predators when we were kids. But we didn't notice, or they stay very close to home. But we learn every day, about a sex predators fooling with kids. There are news and facts to help us out.
You are not over reacting. You are a parent, and have the right to be very protective over your kid. We can turn our backs on our kids for five mintues. Then turn back around and see that he/she is gone.
We are the eyes for our children. What they don't see, we do for them. What they don't think will happen. We now it could happen to them. They are our flesh and blood, when we lose them. We lose ourselfs.
It's sad seeing parents letting their kids wonder. How sad for it to be. When one day, their face will be on television. Saying he/she had disappear. Knowing we just saw he/she the other day. Sad, knowing if they be found dead or alive.

Answer 5

Personaly I think you are doing a great job doing it that way. Not only are you protecting your kids, but you are spending time with them and showing them that you do love them and care about them.

Mine are now both in their 20's and gone from home now, but back when they were small, I would let them play out doors but they were not aloud to leave the yard. I for the most part was right out there with them.

There is one very very important thing that you do need to do at all cost and I did this with my own kids. Times are even worse now than they were back then, so it is even more important to do this now than back then. What I did was to have a talk with my kids about talking to strangers. Let them know that under NO circamstances do they talk to any body that they do not know! And futher more even if someone that they do know approaches them, not to leave and go anywhere at all untill they talk to "mom /dad" first. You can not be to careful when it comes to the safety of your kids. It only takes a sec for something bad to happen.

And I also know what you are talking about on all those kids walk around and riding their bic's on the streets. I have often wondered where mom/dad is at. It really worries me about this and I'm not even there mom.

I had something happen to me once some time ago that I will never forget.I was driving home one day from work. I was not even in a neighbor hood either, but still going slow. There was this kid on a bic riding it in the "road". As I was approaching him I started going slower, I was almost stopped by the time I got to where he was at. Just as I was there, he motioned me to go on, I started going around him very slowly, just as my car was even with him he darted out in front of me and then started yell and saying nasty words saying he was going to tell mommy that I almost hit him and all that stuff. I just told him ok lets go talk to mommy. He took off so fast, you would have thought that he was going to a fire or something. He was only about 5 or 6 years old.And laughing the whole while he was going, he really thought what he did was funny.

Answer 6

I feel the same way. I have an 8 year old and a 6 month old. My 8 yr old is very very independent, but he's only allowed to play directly across the street where I have a CONSTANT view of him from our home. If at ANY time I look outside & can't see him he will not be able to play outside again for the rest of the week. It is my responsiblity to protect my children ... & I fully intend to.

Answer 7

even if my kids were older they would not be outside alone.. no just casue of sex preditaors but also other dangers. where i live kids are out constantly on their bikes in the middle of the road, all hours of the day and nite. with no parents around but yet they will be the first to ***** when something happens to their kids... and it will be the parents fault. so your doing the right thing. Keep it up.. don't turn into one of the parents that tell you kids to go out and play just casue they are getting on you nerves or what ever the situation maybe.. me and my kids have our outside time we go out around the same time every day for the same amount of time and my kids r happy

Answer 8

As a parent, you should be cautious about your children's safety. Yes, sex offenders are out there...are you willing to let your children play in the yard without you? Being cautious is a good thing, how to the children react to your being with them all the time. Have you educated your children about sex offenders?
What do you know about sex offenders? I ask these questions, because I am a child abuse advocate, I know the pains of sexual abuse/pedophile crime. I educated myself, and my children. I allow my children some freedom while outdoors, I don't want them to grow up in fear of adults, just be cautious about adults, have a plan of action, if a stranger comes around. I believe educating ourselves on pedophiles is a first step of keeping our children safe. Then our children, there is plenty of information out there to receive..try online the national center of missing and exploited children, their materials are great...

Answer 9

well, it depends on where u live and how old ur children are. i think that if ur neighborhood is not the best than u are being a great parent. but if it is a good one and ur children are up to age 9 or 10 than ur are also being a great parent. my mom and dad dont let my youngest to siblings (4 adn 5 year old girls) out unless myself (13 girl) or my next sis in line (12) are out there with them.

Answer 10

Go on-line and research your area for registered sex offenders. Of coarse if there are none in your area it doesn't make it true, but it kinda makes you feel a little safer to know. Todays world is much harder on kids then it was 20 years ago. It's sad that you can't even trust family.