Would you let a just-turned-12-YO walk over a mile to a friend's house alone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I think every parent chooses a way to instill independence that works for them and their child, and it is wrong to bully or ridicule others for their decisions -- God knows there is enough of that in the parenting community already, on subjects ranging from breastfeeding to college admissions. The problem is that individual parents's decisions add up to a societal shift, were the current generation of kids is somehow seen as more vulnerable and less capable than the previous one. It's easy to say "parent your own kids and let me parent mine", but when my kid goes outside on his own and can't find anyone to play with, or keeps getting stopped by people who think he must be lost, or when police and CPS investigators show up at my door because another well-meaning person called them -- then your fears and risk-aversion become my problem too.

It would be nice to distinguish between fear of being kidnapped and fear of being run over. Everybody who walks in this area knows that walking can be very risky.

[Anonymous]

no

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is wanting more freedom. He has plans with a friend later in the week and wants to walk there himself. It is probably about a mile and a quarter or so away, and it involves crossing two major intersections. I am very reluctant, but then I think perhaps I'm being overprotective and need a reality check. Thoughts? TIA.

Oh HELL no. No way in hell would I let my kid do this. I don't care how mature your he is. Outside of the fact that he has to cross two intersections - which is very dangerous for even adults to do anymore, there are way too many crazies out there just looking for opportunities to do horrible things.

I live in downtown Bethesda and the number of insane and distracted drivers who fly through intersections - WHILE there are pedestrians crossing is mind boggling.

I am literally shocked by the amount of people giving answers like this. It's "very dangerous" for an adult to cross an intersection? Seriously? What a horrendously boring life you must live (and inflict upon your poor kid).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is wanting more freedom. He has plans with a friend later in the week and wants to walk there himself. It is probably about a mile and a quarter or so away, and it involves crossing two major intersections. I am very reluctant, but then I think perhaps I'm being overprotective and need a reality check. Thoughts? TIA.

Oh HELL no. No way in hell would I let my kid do this. I don't care how mature your he is. Outside of the fact that he has to cross two intersections - which is very dangerous for even adults to do anymore, there are way too many crazies out there just looking for opportunities to do horrible things.

I live in downtown Bethesda and the number of insane and distracted drivers who fly through intersections - WHILE there are pedestrians crossing is mind boggling.

I am literally shocked by the amount of people giving answers like this. It's "very dangerous" for an adult to cross an intersection? Seriously? What a horrendously boring life you must live (and inflict upon your poor kid).

I guess that you don't walk in downtown Bethesda much, or in many other places in Montgomery County. Yes, it is very dangerous for an adult to cross an intersection. Ask Matthew Papirmeister, or Roberto Flores, or Frank Sedwick, or Charles Aboagye, or Yessenia Martinez Riva. Actually no you can't ask them, because they are dead.

[Anonymous]

For what it's worth, I was babysitting other people's kids when I was 12, and my best friend and I - who also lived about a mile apart - were always walking and biking to each other's houses.

Have things changed so much in the last...30 years?

[Anonymous]

Yes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS is wanting more freedom. He has plans with a friend later in the week and wants to walk there himself. It is probably about a mile and a quarter or so away, and it involves crossing two major intersections. I am very reluctant, but then I think perhaps I'm being overprotective and need a reality check. Thoughts? TIA.

Oh HELL no. No way in hell would I let my kid do this. I don't care how mature your he is. Outside of the fact that he has to cross two intersections - which is very dangerous for even adults to do anymore, there are way too many crazies out there just looking for opportunities to do horrible things.

I live in downtown Bethesda and the number of insane and distracted drivers who fly through intersections - WHILE there are pedestrians crossing is mind boggling.

I am literally shocked by the amount of people giving answers like this. It's "very dangerous" for an adult to cross an intersection? Seriously? What a horrendously boring life you must live (and inflict upon your poor kid).

Oh really?? please read. what a horrendously dangerous life you must live...inflicting your ignorance upon your children. can't pick your parents I guess!

http://www.wtop.com/52/3714815/Sidewalks-can-have-traffic-problems-too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it is sad this question even has to be asked. 12yr old is one year away from a teen. Crossing busy streets? If not now, when? 13, 14, 15??? They are going to be DRIVING at 16yrs old. At least let them start crossing a road and gaining some independence. Not sure why most parents aren't teaching their kids basic life skills. So many people worry about grades and athletics but kids as old as 8 can't tie shoes or kids that are 12 can't cross a street? I just find it really weird how people parent these days, especially in this area.

Look at the intersection of Franconia and Van Dorn in Alexandria, that the PP posted about. Look at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Rockville Pike in North Bethesda. Look at the intersection in the 5800 block of Riverdale Road in Riverdale. Now think about a 12-year-old crossing the street there.

Or crossing Democracy to get to WJ highschool where there is no light; or West Cedar and Rockville Pike where cars will fly by you turning right while on their cell phone.