Um, at 2.5? She was in the run-away baby stage then, and I realized she just wanted to feel independent. So I'd stand behind her and to the right, and make sure my left hand was free in case I had to grab her.

It made her feel SO grown up and respected to cross "by herself" and my hand was less than six inches from her body.

She is 13 now. We hold hands sometimes just because we like to.

It depends on the street. But I try to let them cross on their own (6 and 8). I do a lot of work on reminding them to stop and look both ways, not to go too fast, keep looking if there's a corner, etc. if you're also teaching them how to cross the street without you then that's okay, but if they're just blindly letting you lead them because mom will watch out for cars...somethings gotta change.

Anonymous wrote:it's fine. Start worrying when they are 13.

Hey. Out of habit I still try to grab my 14 yr old son's hand to cross the street. He laughs and sometimes humors me. It's good practice for when I'm old.

Anonymous wrote:Am I overprotective? My kids are 5 and 7yo. They are absolutely not allowed to cross the street without holding hands with an adult.

When did you let your kids cross the street alone?

Do you go up to the bus and hold their hand off until they safely make it to the sidewalk.

I mean seriously. You have to be a troll. You can't be this uptight. Your poor 7yr old.

My kid is 6 and he can cross quiet neighborhood streets alone. He isn't ready to cross at a busy street with a light yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am I overprotective? My kids are 5 and 7yo. They are absolutely not allowed to cross the street without holding hands with an adult.

When did you let your kids cross the street alone?

How do they bike ride, scooter, go off and play with friends in the neighborhood if they still have to hold your hand? Sorry, but that is way too coddling.

+1. In the neighborhood or local parking lots they just walk next to me (5&8). If we are downtown or crossing a super busy street I'd hold the 5 yo's hand and the 8 yo I'd remind to stay close to me.

My kid is 7 and I still do. I need to prompt him to look for cars and probably will for a while. When he demonstrate that he can do this on his own, I'll let him cross on his own.

In terms of parking lots people drive like idiots. Holding his hand makes us more visible to drivers, but I can also pull him out of the way when some dope comes speeding around the corner.

Anonymous wrote:Am I overprotective? My kids are 5 and 7yo. They are absolutely not allowed to cross the street without holding hands with an adult.

When did you let your kids cross the street alone?

How do they bike ride, scooter, go off and play with friends in the neighborhood if they still have to hold your hand? Sorry, but that is way too coddling.

My girls are 8 and 10 and often still hold my hands when we are out walking. I let them walk without holding hands, but sometimes they just want to hold hands especially my 8 year old. I think it's sweet and will miss it when they grow out of it.

it's fine. Start worrying when they are 13.

Are you teaching them how to do it themselves op? If you are, but you like holding their hands, 5 and 7 is fine. If you're not, then consider that you're setting them up for an accident. FTR I let my 5 yr old cross by herself but it's a constant lecture/quiz about looking/listening.

All depends on the situation ~ I've grabbed my teenager's hand for an unusual situation (Rome) It's instinct. There are times you're going to react.

My 6 year old still holds my hand across streets and in parking lots. I don't see the issue.

Holding the hands of children is meant for kids that tend to wander or get distracted. It's not going to save anyone from being hit by a car. Do your kids wader a lot and get distracted in crosswalks?

Am I overprotective? My kids are 5 and 7yo. They are absolutely not allowed to cross the street without holding hands with an adult.

When did you let your kids cross the street alone?