playing in the front yard

I don't have a house but when I do I will not let DD play in the front by herself...especially not at that age. I admit though I am super paranoid about things like that but in reality it doesn't take much for some sicko to be able to grab a 6 YO stuff them in the car and kidnap them. IMO that would be my biggest fear. Also people are crazy ass drivers. There was a story all over Instagram about this little boy named Ryan in Cali that got killed by a car while playing in the front yard of his friends house. He ran out into the street and chased a Frisbee...so freaking sad. I can't get the story out of my head so no way would I let my 6YO play in the front yard by herself.

I do have to admit though it's kind of sad that many parents feel the way that I do. I know in the past no one would bat an eyelash at letting their 6 YO in the front to play by themselves. It was a much more idyllic time back them but with all the sickos and massive amount of cars on the road with distracted drivers..it just makes things different.

Re: playing in the front yard

This make me sad. When we were little, we had full run of the block. All you had to worry about was listening for and being able your parents whistle or call.

Re: playing in the front yard

No way! But I'm very overprotective and neurotic.

Re: playing in the front yard

At 6 I would definitely not. We have a block with a lot of children that play outside but, they are pretty much all around 8 and up. Even the brightest and most conscientious 6 yr old is not always focused or rational. I could see my DS dazing off to catch a ball or something and not thinking and jetting into the street etc. Even on a quiet block you just never know when a teenage kid is going to whiz by out of nowhere and if it's that exact moment your child ran after the ball without thinking - there are no do-overs. JMO!

Re: playing in the front yard

DD is almost 8 and I am not comfortable with that.

Re: playing in the front yard

Never would I allow that. i know that a kid can fall when you are standing right next to them, but there are sick people out there and i would never ever take that chance. If my kids were outside in the front I would be out there right with them! Call me overprotective but they can have their space in the backyard (with my watching them from a kitchen window) - and that I don't even allow them out there for long alone. DD's are 7 and 4.

playing in the front yard

I just started letting my kids (8,4) play in my fully fenced in backyard by themselves; and even then- I only let them do that if Im in the kitchen with the windows open/blinds up; so I can see/hear everything....

They do ride their bikes/play hockey in the driveway; but only when we are outside with them...

Re: playing in the front yard

My son loves to play in the front also ~ I like to be out there with him especially a few towns away there was a couple trying to abduct a little boy from his backyard. Too close to home for me. That just scares me too much.

playing in the front yard

My DD will be 5 in August. I can't imagine letting her in the front yard or backyard by herself. Maybe the backyard if I am in and out of the house, but never the front yard. That gives me so much anxiety- just thinking about it!

Re: playing in the front yard

There was just a 6yr old little boy that died in my neighborhood. He was playing in the front yard with a bunch of other kids, no parents outside and all the other kids went inside. They "think" he somehow got into his mom's SUV, put it in gear and he jumped out and rolled over him killing him instantly (its still under investigation - keys were not in the car). There are just too many variables - I let my 9 yr old ride her bike around the block with a friend but do not let my younger out there without supervision.