I lucked out and the playground was really close. If I hadn't have been able to see it from all of the windows in the kitchen, and been able to talk to her whilst she was playing there, from the back deck without shouting, I wouldn't have let her go by herself.
Maturity levels fluctuate and kids mature at different rates. Adults knowing this and keeping it in mind is half the problem. Too many adults want a one size fits all kids set of rules, and when you add in really bad parenting choices (adults letting a 6 year old take care of a three year old whilst they're at work) you get really strict rules that disallow a 10 year staying at home with an 8 year old whilst mom runs to the store 1/2 mi. away for milk and pizza. Or over concerned people in the grocery store parking lot commenting on the fact that you've left your kids in the car whilst you pushed the cart to the corral.
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Maturity levels fluctuate and kids mature at different rates. Adults knowing this and keeping it in mind is half the problem. Too many adults want a one size fits all kids set of rules, and when you add in really bad parenting choices (adults letting a 6 year old take care of a three year old whilst they're at work) you get really strict rules that disallow a 10 year staying at home with an 8 year old whilst mom runs to the store 1/2 mi. away for milk and pizza. Or over concerned people in the grocery store parking lot commenting on the fact that you've left your kids in the car whilst you pushed the cart to the corral.