Sending an 8 year old into Starbucks alone

[Anonymous]

Of course. Damn, what kind of neighborhood do you people live in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course. Damn, what kind of neighborhood do you people live in?

This is the OP - I live in a nice neighborhood. I do think that creeps are everywhere though. However I want to teach my DD independence and confidence hence I let her do small things like sending her into Starbucks. I wouldn't leave her alone in a store for long but a run in and out is fine with me.

[Anonymous]

I let my six year old go into a small ups and drop off a package. How else are kids going to learn independence?

[Anonymous]

Totally depends on the kid and the area. Could be of course yes but also could be a firm no not yet.

[Anonymous]

My kids at age 8, yes. I favor an approach that's gradual steps towards independence, and I tend to have my children do things for themselves as soon as they can do so safely.

The story another PP mentioned in order to highlight the risks - the creepy man who tried to lure a child out of the store with the classic puppy ruse- is not in my opinion a reason to decide it's unsafe to send my kids anywhere alone but rather an excellent reminder to make sure I teach them common sense, listening to their instincts, and safety measures to take to assess situations & keep themselves safe. The child in that situation acted correctly; to me what the PP posted is a success story of preparing sensible, responsible, capable kids.

[Anonymous]

Does the order have hot coffee, then no. If only cold coffee then yes. I started having my kids hold the money and pay at some stores like Starbucks that weren't crowded (so not if there is a long line with people rushing) when they were around 6.

[Anonymous]

Yes, if I’m parked outside.

There’s a Starbucks on every corner, and if I’m not comfortable with one (creeps hanging out), I prob wouldn’t have it on my favorites list for mobile orders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No.

There are back exits to restaurants btw.

The paranoia is staggering.

[Anonymous]

Yes and I have done it many times before. She can also go into a restaurant and get the takeout and do the appropriate tip

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No.

There are back exits to restaurants btw.

The paranoia is staggering.

Agreed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you send your 8 year old into Starbucks to get a mobile order - you would be parked near Starbucks and could see her go in and come out but not see them while they are inside. I let my DD go in and crap the munchies she wanted that I mobile ordered. My sis in law was horrified and said she would never let her kid at that age go alone. The Starbucks is in a strip area not on a busy street.

Of course I would. This is about the age I started sending them into places like Starbucks and 7-11 alone with instructions on how to pay for things, etc. It's a good way to teach them some independence.

Now, I send my 10 yo to the store about 10 blocks away to pick up my smokes. She's well-trained.

[Anonymous]

I’ve sent my 8 year old into Safeway to buy milk, so yes. As 11:30 points out, coaching them on these things in relatively controlled situations gives them the skills and confidence to deal with the world.

[Anonymous]

I think yes but not for a hot coffee. But I don't have a. 8 year old so maybe I'm underestimating their coordination

[Anonymous]

Does your SIL have children that age? I’d let my 7 yo do it if I could see her. I’d only be concerned with handling hot drinks and the heavy door. I wouldn’t hesitate to have her grab food. DS at that age would have been fine.

[Anonymous]

There are many things I would like to let my kids do but I hesitate not because of fear of creeps but fear of all the helicopter parents out there that might try to intervene and call the cops or something.