I'm not comfortable with my 11yo DS walking the streets with his friends because I know in a group situation he is probably going to be distracted, but on his own it would be fine. But then we live out of town, so it's not something any of my kids get the opportunity to do often anyway.
I am less worried about depth perception and road safety than stranger danger. Just over a year ago, Bung Siraboon was kidnapped not far from our house. I guess that is always at the back of my mind.
She does walk with friends but not aimlessly iykwim. It's always a short walk to a specific destination.
I'm just starting to let my 8 year old walk a very short way with his brother ie after school they can walk to the park 50m down the street from their school and I meet them there. It's a small school (we all know who belongs to whom) and there are always other people doing the walk so I figure it's a safe way to let them taste a tiny bit of independence.
AFAIK 10 is the age at which depth perception is such that they can judge safety from oncoming traffic but only if they have been taught how - so a 10 year old who is used to crossing roads is ok but a 10 year old who hasn't crossed many would not have the knowledge to do so safely.
This was interesing. So even older kids consider he distance the car is. But don't think about the speed the car is going. Depth perception doesn't help wih that. Reminds me to talk about "watch the car and imagine how fast it might be going" when I ame walking across the road with DSD (and nephews and any kids I might have one day....)
ive thought DSD was probably starting to be ready. She's 10. But she would have to be with her 11 yo friend. And friends mother isn't ready yet
I allow my older ones to walk (or ride) themselves to and from school, to the milkbar or to a friends house if they want. I'm not comfortable with them going it alone or wandering about with no purpose.
Registered User
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks