Do you have kids? How much freedom do you give your 8-year old daughter in a large city?

Question

I'm afraid I may be too overprotective. She's a great kid (yes I'm biased but even strangers come up to tell me this). She doesn't complain or demand more freedom, it's just that I see other kids that look her age walking around the neighborhood or shopping alone and I don't wish to over shelter her or make her think I don't trust her.

Answer 1

Do what you believe is right. There are too many parents that seem to not care what they are doing ore where the are. You gotta be careful have you not seem to catch a preditor. There are ALOT OF sicko's out there. The world is not what it used to be

Answer 2

Hi! Been there. The best thing to do if she wants a little more freedom is set some rules. One is that she not go anywhere without two or more friends. The more there are the safer they will be. Two, know the game plan. Where will they be going and what other possibilities are there of going to another place and where is this place, and are any of these places safe? Some parents let their children just run around aimlessly and that leads to trouble. You are a great parent for being concerned. I just wish there were more like us. I also live in a large college town and my son goes no where alone.

Answer 3

Having lived in a large city, but now in the suburbs, I still believe 8 years old is too young to go out alone in either the city or the burbs. I would suggest she go out only with at least one friend. I'm a firm believer in the safety-in-numbers rule.

My other suggestion is to provide her with a cell phone, if you haven't already, so you can stay in regular contact when she is out. I've done so for my 8 year-old. I do not think you are being overprotective to not send her out alone at her age.

Answer 4

You are not being overprotective. I have a 10 year old and just recently, I let her start riding her bike around the block. But, her 12 year old brother must accompany her. These days, you can't be too careful. Besides, she isn't asking for more freedom yet. Just take it as it comes. She'll definitely let you know if you are going over board.

Answer 5

I struggle with this as well. I live right across from a golf coarse and tons of men around. I get paraniod and she's not to go out of the house with me.
I feel sad because there are tons of kids just riding their bikes around , but Ihave to accopany her.
I guess I am getting better, I let her stand in line at school alone, and I klet her roam down the shopping ailse further then I am.
Girl let me know...... I cant let her go around the block without me. I dont know how to answer your ?, because I am in the same boat.

Answer 6

I think you are doing the right thing, You can't be too careful these days. Some kids, mom is working and the mall, or out doors is their babysitter, even if the kids is outside you have to watch them, 8 years old, is not old enough to be on their own, so keep doing what you are doing, and keep talking to your children, teach them the right way, and they will make you proud, then you have to thank yourself.

Answer 7

Never allow her to go anywhere by herself. It's too dangerous with all the crazies out there. As for the other parents that would allow their young children to be out alone, something's not right in their heads.

Answer 8

dont ever worry about what other kids are doing. in a city 8 yrs old is to young to be doing anything alone. i live in a small town and even though everyone and their dog knows us my two youngest (9,10) are not allowed to go places alone. they can go out with each other or friends. always remember"safty in numbers".