UPDATE - Kids Playing Outside W/o Supervision

PA-LEEZE! Last weekend, I had to let my COMPLETELY unadultered 17 yo son go graduation party hopping.

Me: Dan, don't get in a car with a kid you know has been drinking, or smoking.

Dan: We're all geeks mom, nobody drinks or smokes. Nobody even drives a car.

Me: Well, you've got condoms right? Don't get anyone pregnant please.

Dan: We're all Dudes, Mom. There's a Call Of Duty tourney at Adam's, and a World of War Craft tourney at Andrew's.

Me: Well, you better text me and tell me where you are and how you got there if you go somewhere else.

Dan: K, well Adam's Mom is driving us around.

Me: (Heavy sigh) ok, well be a smart kid, and have fun.

Dan: (Ignores and gets out of my car) :( Then, opens the door back up and says "Thanks".)

See, in less than two months he goes away to college and that's that. Furthermore, he's my SECOND kid going away to college.

So yeah, you think letting them all hang out in the front while you're cooking dinner is rough, just wait, girl.....!

:)

Good for you Sassie! I bet your kids are having a grand time.

When I first let mine go out unsupervised, I spent the entire time running from window to window so I could keep an eye on them without them knowing! It was exhausting. But the more I let them out, the easier it got. Now because they are older, I can just give them permission to go out, tell them what their boundaries are, and go about my business.

It's really best for all. I get to do the things I need to do; the house stays neater; they get some independence; and they get good exercise in the sun which leads to a good night's sleep. It's win/win!

Glad to hear it. Let's hope this becomes the new norm.

Oh you would have loved my older daughter. I think she was four or five and went down the biggest hill she was allowed on. I think every square inch of her body had scrapes on it. I asked what happened, I tumbled.

No tears, no drama, I tumbled.

Genna did the same thing with her scooter last month. Her response, I respect the hill.

My boys are the good ones. :p

good for you ! it is hard!

well! aren't you lovely?
so nice to read this delightful update.
:) khairete
S.

Good for you! Good for the kids! Yay, Sassy!

scary huh. sounds like you and kiddos are both stretching and growing.

You are going to be amazed how they will become more responsible and mature, just by this one bit of trust on your part. Good for you mom.. I know very well it is hard, but it is what the whole point to parenting is.. Make them independent people.

FYI, I used to put out a big Beverage cooler out on our porch with ice water or with lemonade, so they could help themselves. Purchase some plastic cups and write each child's name on them.. with a sharpie.. so they can be washed and reused over and over.

I agree with Cheryl B. I did the same thing! I kept peeking out the windows and "checking" on them. LOL! It does get easier the more time goes by and you can trust them more. Good luck!