Anonymous wrote:Just curious - are you comfortable with letting your 11 year old out on their own to knock on their friends' doors houses and to head to the park on their own?

Sure. They'd walk to and from school (1.5 miles at the time) by that age and be out until dark many days.

This is really location dependent; we were much more cautious living in DC vs burbs. But even in the burbs, quiet neighborhood area is fine, my 5 year old roams our cul de sac, and 10 year old walks nearly a mile to/from school (has a smart watch).

However if it involved busy roads and intersections, would be more cautious.

My son yes and my daughter no. DD has ADHD and is immature. She also looks about 8 years old and I could see adults questioning why she is off on her own. We live on a busy road and she also doesnt have a cell phone. I also had enough bad experiences with male predators, as a young female at ages12 and up to br hesitant.

I'm pretty sure most of you wouldn't willingly park your car in my neighborhood, but our 11 year old knows where he can safely go on walks/runs and to meet up with friends.