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.

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.

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

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 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 wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No.

There are back exits to restaurants btw.

The paranoia is staggering.

Agreed.

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 wrote:No.

There are back exits to restaurants btw.

The paranoia is staggering.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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