Should I let my 9 year old daughter play outside?

Question

We live in a quiet suburban area and some of her friends have knocked recently and asked if she can go out with them. I have let her twice. Each time she has taken her a mobile phone and stayed with friends. What are your opinions on this? She is very mature and I think she is ready.

I do not think she will hate me for not letting her out until 9 because most of her friends will not be out for another year or 2.

Answer 1

I have an 8 yr old daughter, I completely undestand. I am a fan of the cell phone, this way you can have her call you when she gets to her destination. You cant be too careful these days. This way she gets a little independence and you get peace of mind. Best of luck....I understand....

Answer 2

let her play, she is a child for god's sake!!!! My 6 year old walks down the street to her friends house. and all three of my kids, 6, 4, 2, go out back to play without me being right there. Now granted, i live in a small town where everybody knows everybody, and nothing ever happens, but heck, at 9 i was jumping on my bike and being told to be home by suppertime.

You say you live in a quiet neighborhood, and that she is mature and ready, so don't second guess yourself. Let her play and be a kid, outside with other kids.

Answer 3

It is really sad that a question like this needs to be asked, as our world has changed a lot since we were kids. I remember just heading out the door, no questions asked, at that age because my parents knew I was going to be safe.

I think that it is a good idea to let your daughter go and play. She needs to develop a social circle and to not be afraid of the world around her (if we protect them too much, that is what will happen). As long as you have spent the time street proofing your child then you need to trust that she will be smart enough to deal with most situations. The mobile phone is a great idea, and my son has one also.

Answer 4

Your child is 9 and has never played outside? While I understand its hard to let go of her, you aren't doing her any favors by keeping her so close to you. The whole goal of parenting is to slowly separate her from you, so that when she is 18 and ready to transition to college and hopefully the beginning of her journey into adulthood, she will have the self confidence to do so. Your goal as her mother is to do exactly what she did when she learned to walk, be there if she needs to be stopped from hurting herself but let her take her own steps.

What you have taught her and will have to undo is that there is something to be afraid of in the world. Stop reading the news, it will make a difference in your world.

Start in your yard, have her invite friends over so that you can get to know them. Give her rules about checking in with you, I had mine check in every hour and give her guidelines that are specific(you can go to the end of the street, or to that yard, or to the park). In this day and time I would strongly suggest that you do not let her stay out after dark except in your yard, and no going into anyone's house ever for any reason. Tell her if she needs a bathroom she has to come home.

You can give her restrictions that will make you more comfortable but will give her freedom.

Answer 5

I suppose that it's ok for a child of 9 to go out and play with friends. The phone is a good idea...

If you know where she is, all the better!

My kids went out playing with friends at that age, also.

take care

Answer 6

Yes,,,let her out to play. I was a LOT overprotective of my first child, also a girl. She was 11 before I ever let her walk more than a block away. As long as she knows about "strangers" and has that phone on and with her and is with friends, I think it's ok. Just have her check in with you once in awhile.

Answer 7

I have a 10-yr-old daughter and I let her out to play with her friends, as long as she would tell me where they are going to be and as long as she makes sure that her cell-phone is on. This way she should be pretty safe. I think once they can understand that it is necessary to follow these rules they are ready!

Answer 8

in a quiet suburban area, imma say go ahead and let her play, not alone but with friends and give her limitations to test her responsibility, also go pop up on them where they say they will be just to check up with her honesty.

i would worry about letting her go out with a cell phone because that alone can bring unwanted attention from someone that sees that they can easily walk over and snatch it and walk away and there is nothing she can do about it.

Answer 9

Let her play
But the mobile i don't think it's necessary for a 9 years old kid
just watch her when she plays

Answer 10

Applause to you for keeping an eye on your child. Just be careful. I would let my daughter, now 10, play outside but only if i can still see her in the distance. There are too many wackos out there that would love to take the oppertunity to grab. Now, i'm not telling you that to freak you out. just be careful and great mothering!!! Good idea for letting her take the cell phone!