Crossing the Street

I think around 10/11 would be OK for a neighborhood street, but no busy streets.

There were various teens who were killed this summer crossing streets. Even kids in my college were hit by cars crossing streets, so that I don't think is ever safe if you can avoid it.

It depends on the location. In our neighborhood, probably 4. But I still hold my 6 ½ year old's hand when we're downtown or someplace there's a lot of traffic even if it's a busy time at the grocery store etc. While he's average sized, he's short enough he can't be seen behind most vehicles let alone the front within a few feet. My 3 year old, will probably be closer to kindergarten, he's just not as aware of his surroundings.

Keisha:

My daughter was crossing the street at age 4 - we lived in Europe where things are much different.

My boys? They are 10 & 12 - they were crossing the street at age 4 & 5 - my oldest was a tad bit more mature than my youngest...he would look twice and listen...my youngest son? 'danger' is his middle name!! the majority of the gray hairs on my head have his name attached to them!! LOL!!!

Depending upon where you live in Silver Spring and the maturity of your child is for YOU to decide...

I will admit - my 12 year old has stopped holding my hand in public and my 10 year old still does...so I will hold their hands for as long as I can!!

about 7. We have a super busy street that people use as a cut through. One day two guys actually drag raced down our street (yes, I called the police!).
However, when they are on a bike it was 5. I felt they were a bit more visible.
Either way, I supervise the crossing and the outside playing.

My kids are 8 and 5, and I still hold their hands.

I still hold my kids' hands, and they are 15!

At 6 my son would take himself to the corner store which was down the block across the street and barely around the corner. Since he is a mathematical genius he was able to determine how much his purchase was and the correct change he should be getting back. If the cashier gave him back the wrong change he would correct them and wait until they had given him the right change. He would also explain the math to them so they could never make mistakes with his money. Too funny.

Honestly I really think it depends on your neighborhood and your kid. Use wisdom but err on the side of caution.

Well, mine was never a "runner". As a toddler, he'd get out of the car, stand there & kind of wait for me to take his hand.

Playing in the yard/shooting hoops/etc. I was "comfortable" with him SAFELY crossing the street independently to get a ball, etc. by 7 or 8ish.

He's a "head-in-the-clouds" kind of kid and I didn't feel he was aware enough of his surroundings until then.

At 9? He'd NEVER hold my hand crossing the street! LOL But very, very occasionally, (remember--head in the clouds?) he'll absentmindedly reach for my hand at the mall, etc. then quickly get a horrified look on his face & pull it away!