[foxhill]

We live directly across the road (a quiet residential street) from a small park that has the usual swings, climbing frame etc. My five year old son started a conversation with me the other day about it:

DS5: "Dad, I have to talk to you about something" (alarm bells, he says this usually when he's in trouble but not yet caught)

ME: "Yeah mate?"

DS5: "Now that I'm five and a half and have been going to school, I think I'm old enough to go to the park across the road by myself..."

Me: "Hmmm...I don't know..."

DS5: "...and you can see me from the loungeroom window and I'll be very careful and look left and right before crossing the road and will only stay at the park for 15 minutes"

Me: "No mate, I don't think so, we can go together a bit later".

~~~

He was a little disappointed that he couldn't go by himself but was still happy that I took him. My question is, what age do you think is suitable for this? He has some confidence issues and I'm thinking it might be a good way for him to feel he has control over something like this, but I'm concerned he's too young - despite me easily being able to watch from the window.

Thoughts on this anybody?

[mm1981]

What parallel universe is this place where not one person would let their kid go to the park?
Yes I would let him go to the park by himself. I might keep an eye on him out the window when he was crossing, but other than that I am assuming a five year old would be fine. Gee, my five year old niece takes my two year old to the park that is about half a km away.

[kyte]

my five year old niece takes my two year old to the park that is about half a km away.

Is this a joke? I sincerely hope so.

[mm1981]

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Is this a joke? I sincerely hope so.

No, it's not a joke at all.
Really, what is going to happen? They walk up the street together, no roads to cross. They play together, then come home. My niece does take my mobile (which she is very confident using) and we do know most of the people on the street.
Like any parents, we have done our own risk analysis and deem this to be appropriate for our children.

[kyte]

No, it's not a joke at all.
Really, what is going to happen? They walk up the street together, no roads to cross. They play together, then come home. My niece does take my mobile (which she is very confident using) and we do know most of the people on the street.
Like any parents, we have done our own risk analysis and deem this to be appropriate for our children.

I find it very alarming that you can’t see what could go wrong when leaving a 2 year old in the sole care of a 5 year old. Don’t be surprised if the police come knocking on your door as most people upon seeing a 2 year old and a 5 year old, roaming the street or park alone, would be calling the police. I’m quite sure they would have a thing or two to say to you about your irresponsible actions.