how do I encourage my 4 and six year old boys to play in the street with other kids?

Question

they are very happy playing together.They play their own games inside or in the garden.They go to the local school and have lots of friends.It makes me sad that they do not want to go out and play on their bikes with the loads of other young kids who play out on our estate.

We live in a cul d sac,there are four families with similar aged families.we have benches outside so we can it sit and chat as we watch the kids play.My two are the only two children not out,I am!

The other kids want to play outside on their bikes/scooters etc.They don't want to come and play in our back garden or in the house.

Answer 1

If they are happy let them be.
Tell them they can bring friends home fror dinner if they want to.

Answer 2

I would not want my children to play on the street at 4 and 6 years old. I have only just started letting my 10 and 12 year old play out on the street with other kids.
I don't think that at 4 and 6 they are old enough to know the dangers out there. Traffic dangers, older kids getting them to do things that are dangerous or illegal (stealing for example) Not to mention other more sinister dangers.

A short while ago in my area, there was news of quite a few attempted abductions. I had to explain to my kids the lies these evil people can tell to get them in the car...... eg "your mum had an accident and I will take you to the hospital"
My kids would have been so scared by the fact I was hurt they may not have thought to run back home or to school or a friends house for help.
I know it may sound a bit dramatic to some people, but I'm sure to those who have had their children injured or lost in any way, it makes sense.
We should never take any risks with our precious children.xxxx

Answer 3

Gosh you have good kids, why do you want them to play in the streets when they are safer at home. Invite some of the kids into your house or garden if it is raining [siggghhh] and let them play inside. They propably know something you don't know, maybe their are one or two bullies out there pestering or hurting them, maybe calling them names. You are fortunate your kids are happy playing together, rather keep it that way. You can see what they are doing and where they are , once out in the streets their are always a few who are very naughty and use bad language and they will encourage your kids to do the same. Noooo, thank your lucky stars you have good kids.

Answer 4

At the risk of looking the fool dig out your bike and join them. Tell them to come to the street with you and your bike,skateboard scooter, rollerblades,etc. They will follow your example if you are out there with the other kids.

Also I don't agree with the comments that you should shield them from other kids because they might pick up bad habits. It is easier to teach them not to do everything other kids are doing when they are this age and the bad habit is mouthing of than when they are teenagers and the bad habits are drinking and drugging. You should teach them now that they can play with kids who act differently then they do yet still behave the way they were taught.

Answer 5

It is very good that they play well together, for starters. You say they have lots of friends. Why don't you set up a "play date" with one or two of their friends (one of each age group) and invite them to come and play in your garden or house with your sons. Ask your sons first if they would like to have A and B over to play (or ask them who they would like). Think of a fun experience they can have together. After a few of these controlled play dates, they may be more comfortable playing with a larger group. Never force them, or ask them why they don't want to ____. They will feel that they are not living up to your expectations. Patience, they are very young. They will not stay in the garden forever!.

Answer 6

Don't encourage your child to play in the street. ask if they want to ride their bikes along you as you walk, they will feel safer.
They know the street is not a safe place to play, therefore you
only confuse them. You start the walk and who know they might
just follow. Ask them if they want to play ball with you first before
they get the feel for out door play. But never encourage them to play outside in the street. When they become older the tables
will turn and your going to tell them to get out of the street. So for now take it one step at a time. When my daughter was 3 yrs.
old and I would sit on my lawn chair by the garage for shade
I would just let her ride her bike from point A to point B, unless
her older brothers were with her. They would take her around the block, I would time them. Her brothers were teenagers then.
She's now 9 yrs. old and I still have limits. I see 9 yr. old going
to to the liquor store by them selves. I think that is too young.
I see kids 9 yrs. old going and coming home from school and
I still think their still too young. Call me over protective, but I
love my daughter so much to let something happened. So just
let them ajust to the outside world don't ever push them out to
the street or think bad or sad because they don't want to play with other children, give them time.

Answer 7

While you appear to have 2 model children, there is also the danger that they may become too withdrawn if not exposed to the "rough & tumble" of outdoor living. If it was easy for them to make friends at school, why not at home? Has something frightened or upset them in your area? Have they been bullied? Get them to open up to you. Good luck with sorting out your problem.

Answer 8

If the kids are very happy playing together, just leave them. And as you say they play in your garden or inside, you can have a watch on them too. Do'nt worry, they are just 4 and 6, leave them alone, they like it this way please...Sometimes, we parents to suit our own convenience force somethin on our kids, pls lets not be selfish. Its their world, lets not interfere. Leave them. You seem to be so much caring. Good luck!

Answer 9

Observe what other kids play with (toys) in the neighbourhoods then go ahead and buy what those kids do not have for your own kids. They will be encouraged to play in your own compound where you easy monitor them.

Of course you must know their parents very well or try to find out their origins. I know in western countries this is not easy for one to know his neighbour but it is worth knowing else your own kids could end up in terrorist homes. This is because kids visit each other once they become friends through those games.

Answer 10

Goodness, they are only 4 and 6! If they do go out there and play on bikes, you or another adult would have to watch them as i presume your estate is not a traffic free zone. Give them time - soon you wont be able to get them to stay IN!

Answer 11

I understand your melancholy that debunking God is caught at that very low point of a six twelve months previous. There seem many that've been no longer able to progression any further than the point of a six twelve months previous.