I have a small play ground right out my back gate (within loud speaking voice distance) and I regularly let my daughter go alone to the play ground starting at about 4 1/2. Mind you when she was that young, I stood on the back deck, watched her walk all the way and then stood in the kitchen and watched her play. I still had "concerned" people who didn't know me comment to me about not being there to watch her.
I started letting her go to the farther play ground when she was about 8.
Things have changed so much. Too many playgrounds are designed for tiny kids, 6 and under, rather than the 6 and up set. So by the time kids are being allowed to go play outside, they are too big for the equipment.
Plus, few kids play outside any more. Our neighborhood is full of kids of all ages and the playgrounds are usually empty. The basketball court often has guys playing but that's it. I can walk all around the neighborhood and see very few kids outside, goofing off.
no subject
I have a small play ground right out my back gate (within loud speaking voice distance) and I regularly let my daughter go alone to the play ground starting at about 4 1/2. Mind you when she was that young, I stood on the back deck, watched her walk all the way and then stood in the kitchen and watched her play. I still had "concerned" people who didn't know me comment to me about not being there to watch her.
I started letting her go to the farther play ground when she was about 8.
Things have changed so much. Too many playgrounds are designed for tiny kids, 6 and under, rather than the 6 and up set. So by the time kids are being allowed to go play outside, they are too big for the equipment.
Plus, few kids play outside any more. Our neighborhood is full of kids of all ages and the playgrounds are usually empty. The basketball court often has guys playing but that's it. I can walk all around the neighborhood and see very few kids outside, goofing off.