When Are Kids Old Enough to Play Unsupervised in a Neighborhood?

Both of my boys are too young to tell you what I would do for sure, and in my neighbor hood, I often see lots of chidren, some appear pretty young, that walk to school. I think that letting the walk to school is a litle much obviously, but I think that maybe if the kids would be willing to stay in view of your house that I might be willing to let him go out for a little bit. Close enough that you can still see him when looking out the window and far enough for him to feel like a big kid. and make sure he understands stranger danger!

What part of riverview? That is were we live :)

Hi J.,
I am with you on this 100%. My oldest is 6, and there is NO WAY, I would let her go outside by herself. However, what if the kids came and played in front of your house? I would deffinately take the time to know the other children's parents. I just think 5 is to young to be outside. It is ashame, but times are soooo different now, and as parents we are more protective now than our parents had to be, I think. So no, I don't think you are overprotective, you are doing the right thing! Good luck, mom's instincs are usually right! M.

to me they are never old enough,espailly 5 years old,they should not be able to go any where with out a adult supervision,may be when they are in there preteens,but then you still have them ceck in all the time,

Its so hard to let them go. But your instincts are right. You should do what you can to prepare your child to handle certain situations on their own. You would not allow your child to swim alone without first teaching them to swim, and simularly, dont send your child to the world alone without teaching them about "Stranger Danger". I would recommend a DVD called just that "Stranger Danger" - its by Adam Walsh and Julie Clark - the Baby Enstiens Lady. My 4 Year LOVED it. But I still dread the day I have to send him out the front door alone. :-) Get a good DVD or book and talk to your child. You sound like a great Mom! Good luck, and God Bless!