I don't live in the best neighborhood, should my 12 year old daughter walk to the store only a block away?

Question

My daughter's stepfather saw my 12 year old walking with my neighbor's 9 year old girl to the store that's only a block away. He told her that she is not to walk to the store ever again. I thought this was kinda dumb. My daughter lives with her mother and stepfather and visits me 2 weekends a month. I live in a trailer park but it's not that bad of a neighborhood. Does he have the right to tell my daughter that she can't walk to the store. My wife called me and asked that I not let her walk to the store anymore. Why can't I let her do what she wants to do?

Answer 1

you can it is your daughter too !!!! why do you tell her that!!!!

Answer 2

I could be wrong, but it seems that you feel the stepfather has more control over your daughter's life than you do since the mother is backing him up. You mentioned why is it that you can not let her do what she wants to do. It is about the safety of your child. At least he care about your daughter. I would not let my 12 year old son go out to the store alone either. Grown people are getting kidnapped. I saw one incident on the news where a young girl was walking home from visiting her friend who did not live far away and she walked through a gas station and that was the last they saw of her. How would you feel if you let her do what she wants and something happens to her just because you don't want the stepfather to have the last say over what your child should be doing? Isn't it better for him to be concerned about her safety than to be an abusive father? I am sure you love you daughter, but please think about what they are asking, just for her safety.

Answer 3

If the directive didn't come from her step father would you really have a problem with this? He is only thinking of her best interest. In you allowing her to do it anyway, whose best interest are you thinking of? Remove stepdad from the equation and it becomes a no brainer. You want your child to be safe. Explain this to her and tell her that she can't walk to the store alone anymore. Maybe the two of you can walk together, that allows for some father/daughter bonding as well. win/win situation. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Well, I wouldn't allow my daughter to walk to the store just with a 9 year old if she was with older kids maybe but, not 2 young girls by themselves...Now days you can't trust anyone! Better to be safe than sorry!!! Whatever it is she needs from the store I am sure you would be glad to drive her up there to get it.

Answer 5

how mature is the girl?

i wouldnt let my 12 year old walk to the store. what is wrong with walking with them or taking them?

there are too many crazy people out there who would love the opportunity that 2 little girls out walking alone provides. how would you feel if she walked to the store and never came back? ask any parent that has had that happen to their child.

or been attacked or raped on the way to a store.
i see the stepdads point.

Answer 6

first ,go back to court for more time with your daughter. trailer parks are not a bad place to live.i live in a small one.and my grandchildren walk all over the place 3--7 years of age. she should be allowed to walk to the store...he sounds more like a control freak then a step-father

Answer 7

"Why can't I let her do what she wants to do"?

That statement of yours says much about your parenting skills...or lack thereof. As her parent, you are RESPONSIBLE for her safety. Do you truly believe that any parent of a abducted child thought it was unsafe for their child to walk around in their neighborhood? Come ON....
Sounds as though her "step-father" at this point is very concerned about her safety and you should RESPECT him for that AND be an extension of that kind of care.
You can BELIEVE that allowing your daughter to do whatever she wants for the sake of YOU being considered the "cool parent" while she's young will BACKFIRE in your face as soon as she's old enough to comprehend your relationship. How much will your daughter respect you then?
Appreciate your daughters life and teach her to not only respect your decisions, whether she likes them or not AND the decisions of her mother and step-father. You will gain the respect of everyone involved AND your daughter will be SAFER.

Answer 8

She's only 12, and there are alot of sickos in the world. Her step father is only looking out for her safety. I know you only see her everyother weekend and don't want to be strict but her safety is more impotant then being an easy going dad. And besides... no 12 year old should be allowed to do what ever she wants. She's to young to make any mature decisions.

Answer 9

I wouldn't but I'm a little overprotective. She's your daughter you have to weigh the risks/benefits. There's alot of creeps out there heck lots of em are here! I moved out of a neighborhood cuz I was uncomfortable just letting my 13 y/o GO outside, and she didn't like to, either. Lots of meth heads there...They don't care if a girl is 12/13 or what they are high---

Answer 10

I don't know where you live but there is so much going on in this world and its not good.He only wants the best for her and if you don't want some sick Moran taking your child away then its best that she walks with an adult or someone take in a vehicle.They take away from their homes and front yards, what makes you think a block away is safe.

Answer 11

Well, I'm sure you'll feel bad if she were to get raped, beaten up or killed. You said it yourself, "I don't live in the best neighborhood," but later backtracked in your statement. I think it's in her best interests if someone goes with her. A 12 and 9 year old set of girls are prime targets for weirdos, perverts and sickos. It's a mistake. Period. Don't let the thought cross your mind. Keep both girls SAFE.