My son wants to cycle to the sweet shop on his own ....?

Question

My son is 7½ years old, he is very sensible and knows to use the crossings and not speak to strangers, I've aloud him to cycle to the top of our road and back but never any further. He is now asking if he can cycle to the sweet shop on his own, I let him go if there is a group of kids going together but he wants the responsibility on his own, he is promissing me he won't speak to strangers and that he will come straight back, but I'ts just sooo scary. Do you think he is too young?? and if so what is the right age??

Answer 1

Yes I do think it's too young in this day and age you never know who's lurking in the corner. I would probably say that a sensible age is over the age of 11.

Answer 2

Go with him this time and show him what to avoid and where to go and basicaly how to get there safely.Next time if you are still very worried then tell him to take a mobile or a walkie talkie with him if he promises to be extra carefull with it then you can talk to him and check he is okay all the way there.Home this is a help.By the way I think the right age is about 9 but that may be because the neighbor hood I live in is very safe and the shop is not very far away.If the neighborhood is unsafe then i would say about 10.

Also talk to your son and explain to him how he must always be very carefull about crossing the road and the dangers that he may face if he went up and talked to strangers etc.

p.s if you do that make sure you don't scare him,I remember when I was younger I went to a self defence class and was soooooooo scared on the way home that when my dog jumped over the wall I screamed(LOL)

Answer 3

The answer depends on so many things. You say that you let him cycle to the top of your road and back. Is he still in sight when he does this? He wants to go to the sweet shop, how far away is it? Does he have to cross any major roads? Does he know how to use the crossings correctly? WILL he use the crossings, or not? How well do you know the sweet shop owner? (If well, arrange a time when the shop will not be busy, so that you could check by phone.)

Personally I wouldn't let my children have gone at 7 and 1/2 for several reasons, alone or with friends. They may get there safely, but so engrossed in the sweets on the way back that they do not take care on the road. With friends, I would say this is much more likely.

Unfortunately the world is not a safe place any more, and unless you live on Sark, I would worry like mad about cars, and my child ending uop underneath one. It only takes a moment's inattention. Personally I would wait until he is at the end of year 5, due to go into year 6, so that he can gain confidence, and you will feel happier, also, he should be able to be independent by the time he goes to high school. Give yourself and him that target. (There is a boy near me who is in year7 at high school..never looks when crossing roads..he just runs across them, no road sense at all.)

Also, talk to his friend's parents about this, as no doubt they will be saying to their parents..."well, Alex's Mum and Dad let him, so why can't I?" when there is nothing of the sort going on. It might help if all of you come to a joint decision, then the children can not use this pressure on you.

Answer 4

I think it's not so much a case of your son -- you feel he is sensible and able to handle it, or you wouldn't let him go on his own. It's a case of worrying about strangers. How many people do you know who live between your house and the sweets shop? Could he stop in at any one of those places if he found himself in trouble? How well do you know the owners/clerks of the sweets shop? Just how far away is it?



If you feel there are responsible adults you can trust between here and there, and you know your neighborhood is relatively safe, (no weirdos, no very busy streets to cross), then I would say you could let him have the freedom. Lay down some ground rules, though -- like he MUST let you know when he goes, and he must check in to say hello when he gets back. If he doesn't, then his freedom to ride should be curtailed. And if you notice that the trips are taking far too long, you should ask about that.



I don't think the world is *really* a scarier place these days -- it's just that the newsgathering services are much more efficient, and things that would be swept under the rug in the old days are now broadcast on worldwide news on a slow news day. Trust your own gut, though. Mother knows best, as they say.

Answer 5

Only you know the answer to this question, you need to bear in mind that if you keep refusing your son he may just go on his own without you knowing, i would suggest giving your son an old mobile or buy him a very basic cheap one so you can contact him when he is needed. i think you did the right thing by letting him go with friends but he need some of his own responsibility.

If you do allow your son to go to the shop on his own if i were you i would ask a friend/family member to be in the shop at the same time to "bump into him" so that you know he is safe at both ends. Or Follow a few minuetes behind him but try not to let him see you, just make sure people dont think that YOUR the wierdo by following a young child. Also there will be plenty of people you know inbetween your home and the shops so make sure your son knows to go to one of those homes if any thing does corrour (I hope it doesnt)

Also make sure he wear a helmet - but i assume he already does

Good Luck

Love Zoe x

Answer 6

I suggest the boy is wise but doing this on his own at the moment is not a good idea. He could well have the bike stolen from him but also the real possiblity of someone snatching him off the street or road is sadly possible.

It is not that he will speak to strangers but strangers may well speak to him and if there are two working together, he will feel at ease with a woman. Not a good idea unless you live in an area where there is no crime risk.

Answer 7

Every parent goes through this. The most dangerous thing today is not weirdo's but road traffic. If there is a crossing where he can cross safely and the road is not busy, then let him go. There is far to much fear injected into kids by the liberal lunatic Health and Safety Brigade. Children need to get out there and learn about the hazards of life. Your son is at the right age to start being responsible for himself with your assistance.

Answer 8

As with mot of the other answers I agree he is too young. There is no right age, it depends on where you live, how far the sweet shop is and how much traffic there is. I walked my children to school every day until they were 10 years old. Even then I wouldn't let them go out alone. This is not recent, my kids are now 38 and 36. My daughter only let her son go out with his friends at the age of 13/14, until then there was always an adult to take him and bring him back. It is better to be safe than sorry. How many Mothers wish that they had not let their son/daughter out on their own. He will continue to pressure you to let him go but you must explain why he can't and stick to your guns.

Answer 9

I personally feel, there is no "right age" you have to go on your gut, if this isnt sitting right in your gut, then its not the right time yet, i think you have to be totaly confident in your sons abitily to handle all the situations that come with letting him go off on his own ie, strangers, roads and crossings etc. Why dont you go with him for a while, and see how he copes with all this new responsibility. Its so hard letting go and giving the little ones the space to grow, but nowadays it simply isnt the way it was when we were kids, its such a scary world out there, Dont be pressured into letting him go off just because other kids his age are doing it, you got to do what is right for you, they are our precious angels at the end of the day! Good luck and always remember he will hate you regardless lol xxxx

Answer 10

Definitely too young. My daughter is 11 and thinks she can go 3 or 4 blocks to the store. Now days it's not safe to let your children go out front unattended. I just learned right before I moved from my old house a couple weeks ago that I had a petafile living 2 doors away, he warned one of my neighbors that she shouldn't trust him around her sons. I also have a 3 year old son who played out front with my 11 yr old for almost a year and both of them could've disappeared in a second while my back was turned. Your son may be angry at you but it's better than what could happen. Too many sick perverts are aloud to run loose, thanks to our fine law enforcement system.

Answer 11

I know it is hard to let them grow up and try things on their own, like going to the sweet shop...Just this past month I have let my nine year old go two blocks to a friends house by himself (he had to call when he got there). I was on pins & needles until he called. I don't let him go to far without someone else with him though (my children use the buddy system alot) I am more comfortable letting my 10 year old go out. I just let me 6 yr old go around the block to a friends house (that is as far as she can go without an older child). I guess it would depend on how far the shop is from your place, and if you are ready to give him that one chance. Maybe you can walk down, while he rides and get an idea of how he might be, then let me go on is own, again how far from home is it?

Answer 12

When i was 7 years old, i used to cycle with friends and also on my own regularly. So i would say it is ok, especially as your son seems a responsible individual. However i can understand how, for a parent, it can be a source of worry. But then dangers are part of life and will always be whether it is as a child, teenager or adult. If you forbid him to go on his own, he might do it behind your back so i think it is a good idea to show your trust by allowing him to do so but at the same time make sure he truly understands the potential dangers.

I just wanted to add that throughout my teenagehood, my parents trusted me and allowed me to go out and basically 'experience' life on my own and i never went off the rails! Some of my friends whose parents were stricts would sneak out behind their back and lie. Personnaly i'm glad my parents took the 1st approach.

Answer 13

Oh, been there done that. The sweet shop in our area was about five minutes walk from the house; in fact, if I walked through a laneway across from our house, I could see the boys going into the shop. My 4th child begged me at the age of 8 to let him cycle completely alone to the shop; after weeks of pleading, I said yes. I sneaked through the laneway to watch. fine, he got there ok. So I went back to the house as soon as I saw him leave the shop.. Would you believe he was mugged for his sweets by some bigger boys as soon as I lost sight of him.

I make no apologies for being a nagging watchful mother. My fifth child was born years after the others, and if anything, I guarded him even more closely! He's now 15, and he is trained to ring me and let me know where he is ; I must know his location, and that's ingrained into him.

Trust your instincts; what are they telling you?I know you are torn between giving him some independence and minding him; but's it's still only April; there is a whole summer to go yet. How about you wait for the long summer days, explain your fears to him, say you will do it on a phased basis, eg, you will watch him halfway up the road, and meet him halfway back for a start?

They are too precious to take a risk with I feel. They will be old for long enough. there's no right age, you will know when he is ready.

Answer 14

I do not unfortunately have children of my own yet but, I can understand your anxiety, in my day it was different & it was a lot safer to walk back from school (about 1 mile) & visit the sweetshop on the way home, today things are very different & I would have to say maybe 12 & with friends society is changing people are growing up quicker but, as we don`t seem to have found a way to stop the ones that cause children problems yet, I think a sensible age would be twelve.

Answer 15

It really depends on the area. This is something I would allow my son to do in a quite area, but not in the area that I currently live. The roads are just too busy.



It also depends on whether he tends to do as he is told. If so then that is a good sign.



Thirdly - it really depends on how you feel. Different parents treat their children in different ways depending on how they feel about something. If it bothers you too much, then don't put yourself through it.



I think it would be a good idea to let him go, but then tell him that you are going to follow him on foot for a couple of times. Also, if you choose to let him go on his own give him a reasonable time frame to come back in.



Last of all if you decide against it, I've always thoguht that the best approach is to say 'no', and no discussion; not to beat yourself up about it. As I'm sure you know they, get peeved for a bit, and then let it go.

Answer 16

By the sounds of it there are no busy roads, etc, as your main concern seems to be the "talking to strangers" thing.



Best advice I heard was to encourage kids to say "NO! You're not my dad. I don't know who you are! Go away!" in a very loud voice if someone approached them and tried to get them to get in a car, etc.



Go with him to the sweetshop a few times so they recognise you as being his mum. Chat to the people in the shop, so they get to feel they "know" you. That way you can share your concerns with them and when the time comes, they'll be keeping an eye on the lad too.



It is difficult to say what age is the right age, but your lad sounds like he's got a fairly good head on his shoulders, where another kid might be too dippy to be out alone at 10 years old.



It's "first day at school" time all over again - get used to the feeling of those apron strings snapping honey :o)

Answer 17

He's too young I think, but if you do let him go, follow behind him so that he can't see you. If this were 30-40 years ago I would say that 7 1/2 was too young then too, but there are so many more freaks out now than back then. It just isn't worth the risk. You'll know when the time is right though, and it seems that you have already made up your mind. (I agree with you. too young. too scary)

Answer 18

i think it does depend on the area you live in. think of how busy the roads are, how far away the shop is, stuff like that.



sure he's a sensible kid, but he IS only 7..it's not that you dont trust him, its that you dont trust other people.



i think it would be a good idea to go with him, maybe like stand the other side of the road, watch him go, and then you can be assured that he is safe and that hes got across any main roads safely.



it will take a few years for you to cut the apron strings, but youl know when its the right time!



youv done a great job with him so far!!



trust urself a little more.x

Answer 19

I would say no. Obviously you have alot of trust in your son and its good that he says he wont talk to strangers but unfortunately strangers will talk to him. Im being so protective I dont even want my son to play out on my road, granted hes only 6, but there are very horrible people in the world. I would wait until he is at least ten.

Good luck whatever you decide.





P.S. Can he get me a galaxy bar when hes ready, I'll give him the money when he gets back, cheers.

Answer 20

no i don't think he's to young, i used to at that age and i was a girl.

its a bad world and there will always be a risk letting your child do these things but its better for them to be street wise, that way they will become less vulnerable and hopefully a bit less naive.

if he's sensible then you have even less to worry about, never protect him from the evils of the world, let him no what sort of men and women there are out there and what terrible crimes they commit on children and people, that way he should no to take no risks and trust nobody.

children deserve to be given responsibility's, and they are allot more clued up then some of us can remember.

if you still feel uncomfortable about it maybe you could leave it until he's 8.

Answer 21

First thing is to be sure he has attended and passed a cycle training class, there are plenty around.This will instill confidence.



Second be sure he is equipped with a sound cycle and head gear. this is the best you can do for him.

.

Have him make the trip when someone you know can just watch him to see his behaviour. A person who will not speak to him unless he does something wrong.



It is never too young to start. and see he knows how to lock his cycle, so many get stolen on such trips.

Answer 22

at first i assumed that you were writing from north america, where stranger danger seems to be an obsession... but your use of the term "sweet shop" and some of the replies suggest you're in the UK, not the US... it is interesting that the same level of fear pervades both nations. my boy is still too little (not yet 2) to cycle (or be aware of the existence of sweet shop) so it is still a hypothetical issue for me. but i hope that once he is older i will have the courage to allow my boy to start to explore our neighbourhood on his bike, as i did. my understanding about the statistics of child molestation is that the vast majority of abusers are not creepy strangers, but rather friends, relatives, teachers, clergy, etc., who use their positions of authority to abuse children. nonetheless, i recognize that i live in a comfortable, quiet neighbourhood in a quiet canadian city. whereas, i would probably be more protective if i was living in the south london neighbourhood where i lived a few years ago... although i think my concerns there would more likely have been traffic and/or gangs/anti-social behaviour of peers. the maturity or each child has to be judged separately, as does the safety of each city or neighbourhood, but i think if we're going to overcome the growing obesity problems of children, the best way is to shut off the computer and TV, and kick them all out of the house to play outside. if there are enough kids in the streets and parks (and parents and neighbours on front stoops keeping half an eye on them) there will be greater safety in numbers. this was the belief of the great urban thinker, Jane Jacobs, when she spoke about the effect that having many "eyes on the street" had in making neighbourhoods safer. cheers,

michael

Answer 23

Ur wee son sounds as if he has his head screwed on correctly, but in this day and age of all the terrible people about I would give it another 2 years at least. All it takes is a car to pull up with 2 bad guys in it, they open the door and god forbid they pull ur son off his bike and u never see him again, it does happen, thats the worst things about having kids, its the constant worry. We have 2 sons, and like u we have drummed it into them not to talk to strangers, if ever they were approached by someone We told them to scream like hell and run away to safety. My wife and I wanted a little girl, but after the worries we have with our sons, god can keep our little girl we so wanted, my God I would go crazey with worry if I had a little girl, the poor wee thing would be shrouded by me 24/7



Jimmy 51 year old father of 2 sons and love them to bits, God help anyone who tries to harm them.

Answer 24

Why don't you let him start off and just cycle a little behind him, leave a little distance so he does seem to be cycling on his own and watch how he does. Obviously you tell him you'll be a little behind him so he won't feel like you're checking up out of mistrust. Do it like this a few times and as he gets used to not knowing you're behind him you can see how he does and see how you feel about letting him go it alone. Just be clear that this one trip does not mean he'll be cycling all over the place so he knows his boundaries.

Answer 25

I once went to shop on own when i was 5 years old. my mum was sick so i took some money from her purse and when and got some Lucozade for her. but that was back in 1981 and i lived in above the green grossers on the high street so i didn't have far to walk and everyone new me in the sweet shop. I think 7 is probally slightly to young. how far are the shops near you?

Answer 26

you should allow your son to cycle to the shops I was going to school on a bike at that age about a mile or so along a very busy road even at that time,you need to allow your son the freedom he desires,at the end of the day your son will carry out his desires so you may as well give him your blessings

Answer 27

Hiya luv,

My two sons are 5 and 10 and I never let them out of my sight.

I know its hard but kids just don't understand consequence and these people who are making our children prisoners in their own homes are evil vile and vulgar but are much smarter and know how innocent our children are so for that reason don't take the chance. My two children are very well behaved and this also makes the decision a little harder as they feel they are being punished by us refusing no matter how much we tell them the reasons why. Maybe you could let him go but stay behind him at a distance that's what i do with my 10 year old..Hope you find your happy medium for you and your child.xxxx

Answer 28

I, personally, think he's too young. I waited until my son was 10 before I let him walk to the shop on his own, he's 11 now and I still don't allow him to cycle there only walk. He is allowed to cycle to the park with a friend as it is a safer route. I think it's really all down to how safe the route is and whether YOU feel he's ready, you know him best.

Answer 29

you are right to be concerned about your son going to the sweet shop on his biclye on his own, but at some point you need to trust him. so why dont you go with him to the end of the street then let him go from there. that way you can keep an eye on him and watch what he doing. then make up your mind, you may find youll be pleasantly surprised by how responsible he is

Answer 30

happy easter my dear friend . As a mum to a four year old I do not think it is a good idea to let your son cycle on his own to a sweet shop it is not wise you should go with your son to the sweet shop do not let him go on his own till he is at least 17 years old that is how old i was when i started to go on my own to the town and the high street even to go to central london I was then told to be back home by 6.00pm if not 8.00pm the ,latest my parents especially my dad was very protective with me and my sister right up until I was 21. 7 is too young go with him.

Answer 31

Which part of this scrares you the most?



Your son not being responsible enough to go straight there, buy what is needed and come straight back.



You son being distracted and doing something you would rather he wasn't doing.



The traffic / road dangers.



Or the thought that your som might be harmed or abducted on the way.



Let me ask another way - would you let him walk to the shop on his own?



Does he go to school? Does he walk or take the bus to school? If so do you let him walk alone for part of this journey?



Where I live 8 year olds cycle everywhere.

Answer 32

let him do it but secretly follow behind in the car

or if you have one give him your cell phone



this of course also depends on if you live in a big city or a small town and how far the sweet shop is



small town close sweet shop then yes

big city or shop far then not yet maybe when he's 9 or 10

Answer 33

My older son is now 10. for the past three years he's asked to go to the local shop. although it's close there is a road to cross and i felt that 10 was the right age to go alone but he has been able to go with older (at least 4yrs) friends. I hope this helps.

Answer 34

it depends on how far the shop is and what the other kids are like my son go the shop on his own he is 8 but the shop is only round the corner and he has no main road to cross i started by timing him if he werent back in 10 min he wasnt going again till he was 10

Answer 35

There is no right age.



Where I used to live there is no way i would have let my son cycle to the sweet shop - the main roads were bad enough for an adult there.

Answer 36

Let me put it to you this way; you would never forgive yourself if something happened to him, be it a road traffic accident, or contact with a stranger, or 'stranger's'. In my humble opinion, seven and a half years of age is far too young to be going anywhere on your own. Just from the road/traffic point of view alone, at that age they have no perception of speed and distance of vehicles--(however...most driver's don't either it has to be said!)--and are only just learning their 'road sense', so i would say no, not at that age--(sensible or not)--maybe ten though--it all depends on his learning ability, and if he can retain the information he is learning. I have a son of fifteen, and another of fourteen, and i am STILL telling them to "watch the bloody road" whenever they go out--i don't think it can be drilled into children enough...getting hit by a car, at whatever speed, only needs to happen once.

Answer 37

I have a son of the same age and he wants to do the exact same thing! I have let him go to the local shop with his friends, which in its self is fine, but its the gang of youths that hang around there that worry me!! He did do as i asked and just bought his sweets and came back home, but the stress i went through just waiting for him to return home and the images that went through my head was beyond belief. I think that just a few more years of keeping him safe will not hurt him. Yes he will get stroppy with you for not trusting him enough, but as i have had to explain to my boy is that i love him dearly and just want him to be safe, as just that short time of him going to the shop on his own is all that it takes for someone to either lead him astray or worst still take him away from me altogther (which i would never forgive myself for).



Some people might read this and think that i am an overprotective mother and need to let go a little for him to experience life, but i have had the experience of a stranger following my daughter ~ She was about the same age (8) and she wanted to go to the toilet at the park that was just across the way from where i was and i nearly said yes!! Then i had this cold feeling come over me and i said that i would go with her. This 'wiered' man started to follow us and other people saw him and came over to help me as i had my son in a pushchair and he could have grabbed my daughter at any time.



It worried me to death for a long time as to what could have happened had she gone alone as that was what she wanted to do!!



I don't consider the area we live as unsafe but you don't know who is around, he is only 71/2 and will have lots of time to go to the shop when he is older, take him most of the way and prehaps let him go in on his own but keep him in sight! It's not as it was when we were kids where you could go off all day and come home at tea time and your mum didn't bat an eyelid, you can never be too careful... As the old saying goes.. "Better be safe than sorry". Good luck!

Answer 38

I am sure he is quite sensible for his age,but I would go with him---his bike may get taken off him--and you never know who are hanging around the streets these days.My children were not allowed to visit Sweet shops I always had some in the house or they waited till I took them to the shops.The times of today I would not let my children out of my sight.My children are all adults now.Thank goodness.

Answer 39

yeh slightly 2 young i was allowed to the shops on my own from 10 but then there was hardly any mention of weirdos lurking an we all knew the people round where we lived so we was ok its not actually your son that is the problem although riding his bike there aaargh i dont like it when my 14 year nephew old goes out on his bike lol

Answer 40

I dont know how far that is but if its out of your sight its too far at this age. I would say that around the age of 9-10 I would allow this depending on maturity. It sounds like you have taught him the very important need to knows, so this would have to be a judgement call on you part. You know him better than us.

Answer 41

If u r too scary then u can do one thing. u can follow him up till the sweet shop and keep a watch on him so that there will be no possibilities that he will get hurt or be in danger.And if he falls in any unpredictable danger then u can come to the picture and save him.U r his parent after all !!!

Answer 42

its a tough one,as much as you want to let your children have Independence etc,in today's society its so hard to,i have a 7 year old son and i know how you are feeling,there really is no right or wrong age,go by your son's maturity and on how streetwise he is,i remember back in the day when i was 7(early seventies) we were out on the streets and up the park on our own,so sad how times have changed.

Answer 43

Is the shop far away? If not I think you should let him. You've described him as very sensible so I think it would be ok. I know its scary letting them do things on their own but you can't keep them wrapped up too much otherwise they won't be aware of things in life.

Answer 44

If you have the doubts - then he doesn't get to go.



Maybe when he is 9 or something as you have to let him at some time.



Life is just so different now than when we were that age. There always was danger but my feeling is that today it poses a greater risk.

Answer 45

Everyone talks as if there werent peadophiles until 10 years ago. it isnt a new disease thats taken over every human over the age of 18. As long as you think the route is safe i think you should let him go for it. i know every parent would love to protect their child against any possible danger but smothering children and not letting them out of your sights is possibly doing more harm than good. you know your area and you know your child. i personally wouldnt listen to any ones advice apart from what you feel inside.

Answer 46

In the 70's I was allowed to walk to school [3 blocks from my house] and only with other children. My mother impressed upon me that it was alright to go, but only with another adult whom I knew, or a group of children. I was allowed to walk to my great grandmothers house and my best friend lived next-door to her [2 blocks away] but only if my mother walked me to the top of the street where she could watch me make it to their houses, and I was to call when I was coming back, unless escorted by one of the adults, or coming with my friend.



Traffic crossings and strangers were always emphasized...we all know the lecture there.



In the 80's [after I was 10] I was allowed a large paper-route I shared with a friend, my job at the top of our street at a corner Mom'n'Pop convenience store...anything within the block I lived was pretty much my realm of 'freedom' as long as she knew where I was at every turn, and/or had friends with me.



It wasn't until I was 12 almost 13 that she allowed me to be about on my own. Still with really strict marching orders on what to do if this or that.



The way the 'crazies' are these days, I think I would find it much harder to trust anything with a childs' independence until a later age.



Though it's important to him to be a "big boy" and do things on his own, you as a parent realise much more readily than he, just what the dangers are that are out there. In that you are asking the question, it sounds maybe as if it still scares you a bit...follow your gut. You're his parent and know in your heart and the pit of your stomach...maybe it doesn't sound like such a great idea, not just yet.



I think the suggestion above about saying yes, and following at a safe distance, could sound like a good one, but, if he catches you, he'll be pretty angry that you said yes and then didn't trust him.



Maybe you could make the same suggestion to him, in that "how about this...Mommy wants to take a walk, and if it's alright for now, because Mommy is nervous, you let me walk you to "X" point, and just wait for you to go and come back [some place where you can keep him in your line of sight], and maybe once Mommy feels a little better, we can try letting you go on your own." ??? I don't know...maybe it would work, because then it's a compromise...he's still pretty much getting his way, and you are as well.



These days, I don't know that I could buy any statistical information about how many kiddy pervs live in any given community, or what community is considered 'safe'...because as I see it, no community is ever safe...it just takes the wrong place, wrong time, the wrong person wandering around, and a spare moment to hurt your child.



A bit off subject, but as an example: I lived in a small 92 home community. Everyone knew everyone, it was quiet, people could leave their doors unlocked, it just seemed like the perfect neighborhood. My parents and I lived next-door to a state police officer [everyone knew it, knew him], I came home one night after being out, parked my car up against the garage, locked it [habit from being at work, wasn't worried about home], the dog barked once that night, I woke up the next morning and went to bound out into my car and get to work...someone had jimmied my car door, and stole my stereo. No one in my neighborhood would have done it, I fished with all the local boys and they were friends...someone from the outside, wandered in...and stole my stereo.



I hope that you find amicable ground, where you can keep peace of mind and your son can 'get a feel' for his independence as a 'big boy.'



Good luck!

Answer 47

My mother let me but that was the early 80’s and I lived in a very rural community I think it depends on where you live I would never let my children out on there own if it was a big city, things have changed in the world, don’t risk it just in case, think about the amount of children who been abducted in the past rap them up in cotton wool till there 18.



also 7 and a half is way to young to let them out on there own.

Answer 48

it depends how far away the sweet shop is



you could get oneof those walkie talkies where you can have one and so can he so if he is in any danger he can contact you. he sounds like quite a sensible boy it just depends howmuch you can trust hijm if its loner then 5mins cycleing awayi would wait untill he is 8+ personally but go with your gut feeling and dont let him get away with preassuring you in to it and ifyou say no and he keeps on askin say to him tha you wont let him even cycle there with his friends it worked for my oldest good luck:)

Answer 49

The shocking truth is that most victims are abused or murdered by family members but there is still a slight risk.

But as a father my main worry would be road traffic.He is still slightly too young to really understand the dangers involved.

About 10 would be a better age

Answer 50

When i was about 7 or 8 i really wanted to go to the shop only about 4 mins away but my mother would never let me, and i use to think she did it to upset me but now i understand that she was only thinking about my safty.



But really when you do think the time is right i would let him..but the way you put it he sounds fine to go down there as long as its not to far though.

Answer 51

I think he is too young, I have a ten going on eleven yr old and have just started letting him go to the shop on his own. Its not your son you need to worry about its the strangers that approach him

Answer 52

Maybe just a little young yet. These days you are never sure who's around and its better to be safe than sorry. Its a shame as hes probably responsible enough but its just not worth it. Safety in numbers.

Answer 53

i'd say 10, because there are alot of people about who hang in sweet shops and ask for things off kids, but if you waited outside the shop then i guess 7 is ok.

Answer 54

i have a 3 children and i havent let them go to the shop untill they r at least 10, i have the same trouble with my little girl who wants to go shop by her self but i think she is still to young n its not the point ov them not talkin to strangers, its the point that strangers can just pick them up very scary.

Answer 55

don't forget how young he REALLY is. it does not matter WHERE you live there is ALWAYS a danger of some weirdo cruising the area looking for this golden opportunity to grab a child. being taught not to speak to strangers is a good idea but NO defense against abduction!! also todays roads are very dangerous for a child on a bike. as for giving him his independence, plenty of time much later for that. you are the parent, he is the child, he has to comply to your rules!! better to be wrapped up in cotton wool a while longer as being wrapped up in a shroud! good luck , and i really hope this has helped you.

Answer 56

Yea, that's very young and being alone is probably the most dangerous issue here. A person that age is just completely physically vulnerable. You have to consider your area, part of the world, but 7.5 is super young.

Answer 57

i think he is too young, maybe around the age of 10 or 11, but there are just too many pervs around. i live in london and most weeks we get lets sent home from school saying that some perv has approached a child even of secondary school age. its jus not worth the risk

Answer 58

there is never a right age he says he will go and come straight back if you feel that he is sensible and responsible then let him do it

Answer 59

He will me fine you seem to have taught him not to talk too strangers, an as you said he knows how to use the crossings very well,you are a very good mother i would let him an see how he is you have to let them try things out other wise he might never learn .Hope use have a nice day an don't worry to much you have learnt him well .xx

Answer 60

personally i wouldnt let my6 son out even if he was with a group, he plays out the front and im always watching him, that may be because hes my only child and im far to protective but my mum NEVER let me out at that age. there are so many sick poeople and did u no that statistics show there is 1 paedophile down every street. not nice i know but people should be made more aware of these things only you know your son well enough to know whether this is the right thiing to do, but from asking advice id say no

Answer 61

I think its too young because even in the best communities there are always gangs of older children whose parents are incompetents who let their kids run wild. These are the ones to fear much more than the paedophiles, even though thats the most obvious thing people worry about.



I used to walk home from school myself and home from the social clubs when I was a pre teen. I was bullied and abused by the children on both occasions and learned it as a way of life.

Answer 62

it depends on how far the shop is away. its also gut feeling do u feel safe letting him go ie is it in a dodgy area were there are alot of older kids around? there is no right age u just need to make sure u feel comfortable lettring him go, at least he is asking most kids today in agge would just go!!!!

Answer 63

Go on give the young lad a go! after all you can keep an eye on him from a distance.

Answer 64

NO I WOULD NOT THE CHILD CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS THAT ARE OUT THERE ,IF HE THINKS THAT BY NOT TALKING TO STRANGERS HE IS SAFE , THEY ARE UGLY PEOPLE OUT THERE READY TO POUNCE ON LITTLE INNOCENT CHILDREN GOING TO SWEET SHOPS .YOU ARE BEING VERY SENSIBLE AND I WOULD STAND FIRM ON THIS . YOU ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR GUT FEELING AND WHILE YOU WON'T BE A COOL PARENT I WOULD RATHER BE SAFE THAN SORRY . GOOD LUCK

Answer 65

Don't do it, not yet.



It's a bad and scary world and he's got plenty of time to grow up which he may not have if he get's too much freedom too young.



It isn't just the fear of abduction but people drinking and driving, taking drugs and driving, joy riding....



Keep him 7 1/2.

Answer 66

if the area you live in is pretty safe i say do it - the question is when tis he right time to give children Independence...you could go half way with him and let him meet you at the same spot you left him if that is easier...give him confidence to go on his own and so on...

Answer 67

either go with him or ask someone else to go with him, 7 and a half is a little young, it depends what kinda area you live in? Is your area good with a lot of friendly people looking out for kids? then i would let him go, please let us know if you let him go on his own

Answer 68

when i was 7 i was doing my mums weekly shop,it was safe then,my daughter is 8 and i wont let her go to the top of our road,its too dangerous these days youre right to be anxious

Answer 69

i dont know where you live, and it does make a difference. you do not only have to worry about the pervs, but other kid's can be a nightmare also, i think he is a little young but it is a good sign that he wants to be independant and you have to encourage that. i would say yes but i would follow him. out of sight.

Answer 70

My mum let me start to go out when i was 7, but short distances..and not to the shops.



I was about 10 when i was aloud to go out on my own to the shops.

Answer 71

I remember when I was 7 my mum wouild let me, but that was the mid seventies. I now have a daughter that age and wouldn't let her out of my sight. I know a girl it's different, but I would feel the same about a boy, probably until aged 10.

Answer 72

i think to most perants every age is to young but u have to learn to trust them at 1 stage maybe this is the stage to trust yours why not if you feel really scared let him go thinking he is going alone but really with you following a short distence behind him see how you think he dose then let him go on his own for real the next time. good luck

Answer 73

no please don' let him go any thing could happen to him,i hope nothing do but i think he is way to young.i would say 10 yrs,with another friend/s my grand daughter is almost 12yrs and was aloud into city centre last week with 4 friends but had to ring home,without showing her mobile.

Answer 74

personaly i think there is too many risks involved, 15 years ago, yes, but nowadays, you don't know who is about. Totally up to you, but I wouldnt take the chance. Does he have an older cousin, brother, sister that could take him?

Answer 75

well legally he can't cross a road on his own until he is 12, kids cannot judge speed and distance of vehicles, up to you but how would you feel if something happened to him?

Answer 76

A) Self defence lessons like www.kravmaga.co.uk





And a test is if say dad grabs him hard in a lock can he get out... ie pad up dad or other ADULT and see if he can fight him off.





Good lesson for kid as well as to why parents worry.





B) how good is he on the reoad and is he aware of how easy accidents occure and how nasty they are.



(ideally make him watch a real one maybe phone up paramedics or get a scanner)





Also you can get trainers with gps (look up tracker trainers) with a hidden panic button that alertts auuthourities to your location and parents can track them.



Also you can get a service to track a mobile phone to within 50-100 with things like carphone ware house on the internet.



And maybe have a pre set text message he can send by pressing buttons in a pocket unseen to call for help.



Maybe get somone to keep an eye out from a distance.





ONLY interviene if nec







Also depends on where you live and how safe aware is

Answer 77

I know little boys like to do many things but this day and age with so many predators out there stealing kids I would not let your son go anywhere on his bike alone. If he had a buddy or if you rode a bike with him maybe but never alone. To many issues with kids disappearing off bikes and not seen for months maybe years and or turning up in shallow graves. As a parent I would never allow my children to do anything alone that would put them in harms way. God Bless and hopefully you can explain this to him. To many weirdo's not enough ammo.

Answer 78

Personally i think its to young, he may be very sensible but there are still alot of dangers out there, and remember "safety in numbers"

Answer 79

yes give It one more year he sounds a very sensible lad though so It might be OK we do have trust them. it also depends on the distance he has to cover

Answer 80

I used to go off all over the place from a very young age but my kids? no way!!!!!!

Answer 81

yeah i think 7 is too young wait till he is about 10/11

Answer 82

Personally I think he's a little too young... Maybe wait a few years...

Answer 83

i'm a mom and i'd be slightly nervous of cars and strangers...but what kind of neighborhood are you in? do people know you and your son? is it a busy trafficy area. you're the only one who knows if your son is "mature" enough...not really old enough to go on his own and back to a store.

Answer 84

I've never riden an Own but why don't you buy him a bike like any normalised persona ?

Answer 85

I agree, I think that is a bit too young. I think you're right to let him go with friends, but not on his own.

Answer 86

depends on where you live.if it is a very busy area with every weirdo in existence then i would say he is much to young.If it is a quiet area where everyone knows everyone else then perhaps he is old enough.What a shame that we live in a world that you have to worry about such an issue

Answer 87

i wouldn't to many weirdos about that could take him i would leave it until he was 12 try and give him another responsibility so he feels grown up but one which you are happy with

Answer 88

The paedo thing is overcooked by the media. Let your boy be a boy and have some adventure!

Answer 89

How about letting him go but following (not telling him of course) at a safe distance, that way he gets his freedom and you get your peace of mind!

Answer 90

hes to young

Answer 91

let he go but keep a eye on him get him 2 go with a m8t

Answer 92

Personally i think he is too young

Answer 93

No pls don't do that because in my locality, a boy aged fourteen wuz crossing the road along with his parents and sister and although he was crossing the road along with his family, a car came a high speed, hit him and ran away. And now.....

Answer 94

make sure he's with friends. hes too young to be going anywhere on his own.

Answer 95

going with friends worries me more than going on his own. talking instead of watching where hes going is not a good thing. only you know how sensible your son is so trust your instincts.

Answer 96

You should wait untill he is 9

Answer 97

he is too young 10 will be a lot better

Answer 98

Sorry yes i do. Its a bad world out there!!!!

Answer 99

NO NO NO! HE'S FAR TO YOUNG . IF HE WANTS TO RIDE OUT, GO WITH HIM. Think how you would feel if he came to harm.

Answer 100

if you have doubts dont let him go or you could go part of the way with him i too would be worried especialy as he has to cross a main road

Answer 101

no not these days your instinct is telling you what to do and its saying NO BECAUSE OF ALL THE BAD PPL OUT THERE YOUR CHILD IS PRECIOUS SWEETS ARE NOT YOU ARE A GOOD MUM I KNOW I WOULDNT

Answer 102

when i was a baby my mum would just throw me into a pile of glass

Answer 103

i wouldn't let him go, its better to be safe than sorry

Answer 104

I WOULD SAY

NO IF ITS FATHER THAN SHOUTING DISTANCE WICH I SUPPOSE IT IS



BUT YES IF HE IS TRUST WORTHY AND YOUVE TOLD HIM BOUT PEDOPHILES ETC

Answer 105

if it worrys you all i can advise is don t do it always go with your instincts

Answer 106

i doont know i think hes a little young u cant be too careful i dont think u should let him yet.

Answer 107

Personally i think he is too young....sorry.

Answer 108

Make sure he wears a helmet, it will make all the difference when there is an articulated lorry bearing down on him. He's too young to react to get out of danger.

Answer 109

No it's fine.