I have a 5 year old daughter and I don't feel comfortable letting her play alone in the back yard even though we've gone to great lengths to childproof it and have a fence. My worry is child preditors. If she was playing in the back yard, of course someone would watch her from in the house, but you hear all the time about kids getting abducted these days and the parent just turned their back for a moment. Am I the only one with these fears and is there an alternative so that my daughter can be more active? I don;t want her to sit and watch TV (or even read) all day. I also wanted to add, that when I was 5, my parents did let me play in the back yard, alone and they didn't watch me like a hawk. Why, do you think, is it so much scarier these days?
2006-10-10 05:06:47 · 9 answers · asked by bernie_bernoulli 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
the back yard is secuded
2006-10-10 05:12:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it's much scarier these days.
You have to do what you're comfortable with. If you're not comfortable leaving her alone in the backyard, then go sit outside while she plays. You can just sit and read a book. Or play with her, this is the perfect opportunity for bonding.
If your issue is that you are too busy to sit outside (because you have to make dinner or whatever) there are lots of things indoors she can do to stay active. Let her run up and down the stairs (have a race or time her), do jumping jacks. I've seen several new aerobic work-out videos for kids, maybe she would like that. Buy one of those mini trampolines - kids love that!
2006-10-10 12:16:45 · answer #2 · answered by who-wants-to-know 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your uncomfortable with your daughter playing alone in the yard, then go out there with her. Play with her. 30-minutes could be like a lifetime in her eyes. All parents feel the way you do when it comes to our kids. Back in the "old days", crime wasn't (as bad) as it is these days. I even heard stories of how some people didn't even have to lock their doors at night. I suppose it depends on the type of neighborhood you live in too and/or the kind of relationship you establish with your neighbors. If you get to know your neighbors, you use your judge-of-character to determine what kind of people that live around you. All you can do is the best you can. No sense of worrying over things you cannot control.
2006-10-10 12:15:55 · answer #3 · answered by apache_lizz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive seen the statistics on child abduction.....I cant quote the actual number but i seem to remember that over 90 percent of child abductions are performed by family members (these are usually related to a custody dispute). The occurance of some weirdo abducting an unrelated child is very, very rare. Thats the reason that when it does happen it makes national news. The chances of your child being severely injured in an auto accident is literally thousands of times higher. Dont rob your child of her childhood by being overly protective. Now I would say if you have a neighbor that you dont feel comfortable with it would only make good sense to keep a close eye.
2006-10-10 12:47:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am the same way with my 3 year old son. We live in a nice area, I am always "scotty" where are you,come here, don't go that far, I fear him going to school. It is scarier these days, I am 27 and it seemed when I was a kid, which wasn't THAT long ago haha, things were SO much different. Just always be outside with them, it takes 5 seconds for something to go bad that 's how i see it, there is nothing wrong in what you are doing.
2006-10-10 12:20:06 · answer #5 · answered by momma whitley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is normal that you feel that way. I dont know what to tell you. Make sure that she plays outside when you have time to be outside yourself. If you feel you have to do some stuff inside the house, then ask a family member to look after her. Good Luck
2006-10-10 12:21:03 · answer #6 · answered by wittlewabbit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teaching your child safety in those situations will put your mind at ease. Teach her to scream at the top of her lungs if someone even approaches the fence. This draws alot of attention. Don't get mad at her when she does it....she will learn to be safe in her yard....
2006-10-10 12:14:01 · answer #7 · answered by mac5doc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i agree it is scary to watch your child even walk off to school,but i must tell you don't make you child scared to even be out side they must learn stranger danger teach her to yell scream what ever if she see's some one she don't know,we had just as many predators in our day it just wasn't televised as much,i believe you have done every thing you can to ensure she is safe in her own backyard you just have to make sure she is always aware even at 5 that isnt to young to learn
2006-10-10 12:30:02 · answer #8 · answered by just_me_1955 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it is...there are too many sicko weirdo's out there....very sad....Are you able to get a dog?....if so, I'd get a puppy that will grow with her, and will protect her to the hilt!!!!...you can go to dog websites or ask a vet which are best for protection....don't blame you for being worried, you shouldn't have to be, but unfortunately the world has gone nuts, and you have to protect who you love......
2006-10-10 12:12:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋