What age do you feel is appropriate for a child to play alone outside?

Question

I have a 7 year old son (almost 8) who loves to play outside with his friends. I have a fenced in backyard (NOT a privacy fence). The problem I am having is that I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old, along with working full time, dinner, cleaning, etc. - this doesn't give me much time to get outside to sit and watch him. Just wondering how you all feel about him going outside in the backyard with his friends while I am still in the house with my other two kids.

Answer 1

My son is 7 and has been playing outside without me for at least 2 or 3 year now.  We live in a small town and on a street that is not busy at all.  It is also a neighborhood full of other kids doing the same thing.  I sometimes let my 2 yo go out with him too, but only in the back yard.  I have never had an issue.  I guess it just depends on your neigborhood.  I also am usually in the kitchen looking out the window often to check on him, just keep an eye on him, he will be okay.

Answer 2

I think 7 is fine to be in the backyard without an adult. Just make sure he knows not to go anywhere else and not to talk to strangers.

Answer 3

Depends on the fence.

Can someone easily walk over and grab him?

Depends on the neighborhood.

go to

www.familywatchdog.us

and find out if there is anyone dangerous nearby.

Depends on his maturity and intelligence.

Can he handle himself fairly well?

Answer 4

A normal, healthy 7 or 8 year old should be able to play outside without the need for constant supervision. I know you want to protect him but he's at an age where he needs to develop a bit of independence. You shouldn't have to keep him on a tight parental leash all of the time.

Answer 5

There are various factors involved here...does your backyard face a busy road? Do you have known s*x offenders close in your area? Will you be able to look out your back windows and see him or will your view be obstructed. Do you have a pool in your yard....is it properly enclosed? I think he is still a little too young. Maybe you and the other moms can take turns sitting outside in your respective yards. My dd is seven and that is what we do. Of course I am a stay at home mom so it is a little easier... I do not care if half the neighborhood comes over...LOL as long as I know they are safe.

I commend you for knowing that your son NEEDS to be outside. Kids spend far too long inside. They need to get out and run around, ride bikes, climb trees, dig for worms, search for frogs, anything but watch TV.

Go with your gut on this one.

Answer 6

OMG!! at 7 he is old enough to play in your fenced in yard without Mommy watching him every second for goodness sake.

You know, I find it ridiculous that children are not allowed to play outside anymore. Unless you live in the inner city where there are no yards for them children should be outdoors to play. The idea that your fenced in yard is not safe for a child old enough to cross the street and be in first grade is crazy to  me.

All our children played outside in the yard once they were 4 or 5 without constant parental supervision.

Answer 7

He should be okay if he's not going anywhere but your yard.  Just make sure you check on him every so often.

Answer 8

My oldest two were outside by themselves with their friends at the age of five.

Answer 9

Seven years old is fine as long as you are sure that he won't leave the backyard and go off somewhere with his friends.

This could be a very tempting thing to a 7 year old.

Answer 10

I think u shouldnt let him go .U should buy a home camera to see or check up on him when wanted or needed

Answer 11

At almost 6 and almost 8 my children go outside in the front and the back yard to play alone.  When they're in the front I make sure I'm working in a room where I can see them.  When they're in the back yard I just make sure I check on them from time to time.  If he's with his friends, then I wouldn't worry, if someone gets hurt there's another to come let you know.  It may settle your nerves if you just tell him to come in and check in with you from time to time, although at 7 they tend to have short memories.  LOL  But in the back yard with buddies?  For sure, let them go play.

Answer 12

I think that you either needs to get a babysitter that will watch him or you find time to go outside.I think that age is too young to let your child outside by himself because you will never know what happens while he's playing with his friends.

Answer 13

He is old enoung dear let the kid have some fun with real people.

Answer 14

My 7 year old plays outside, but only if the dogs are out there with her.  I can see her from the kitchen and family room windows, and she knows that she is not allowed in the front or the far back yard.  She has enough toys (trampoline, swingset etc) back there to keep her occupied, or she plays witht he dogs.  He should be just fine by himself, just make sure he understands the rules and the consequences for breaking them....

Answer 15

He's old enough. just check on him every little bit through the window..

Answer 16

I would think that it depends on your son.  8 should be old enough to play outside without you there.  Just check out the window often and be very clear with him on the rules.  We have to give them the opportunity to be responsible in order for them to learn to be more self sufficient

Answer 17

As long as they know to stay in the backyard and you do not live off a busy road or a high crime area let them all go outside by themselves!!! Put a lock on the gate and let them play.

Answer 18

I let my son play in the yard if I am inside doing something.  I open the windows and doors so I can hear him also.

Answer 19

In the backyard I don't think it's a problem at all. My kids are in and out of the yard. They're currently 12, 7 and 5 but they've always been allowed free run of the yard. When the youngest was little he had to have one of the older kids out with him so they could come get me if needed. Your almost 8 year old shouldn't have to live by the same standards as the younger ones- if he's proved himself responsible he should be able to go out with his friends whenever your family's schedule allows.

Answer 20

I am a licensed daycare provider and we are allowed to let children over 2 years old play outside, in a fenced in backyard, as long as I can still see them from in the house.  My daughter is almost 5 years old and I will let her play in the backyard while I am cooking dinner in the evening but I will not let her play in the front where there is no fence.  I also stress to her that if she is ever approached by someone whom she does not know then she needs to come and let me know.  Sad to say, but it is a scary world these days and you need to teach children that strangers can be dangerous.  Hope this helps!

Answer 21

I have been dealing with the same sort of issue.  I have a 7 and a half year old daughter, and we live in a townhouse complex with a park just behind our yard.  Last year I did not allow her to go the park without me, but this Spring I have started to let her go.  I can see the park from my back porch and hear her when she is there, and easily call her home.

I felt she is old enough, and I also have a 9 month old who naps and so on... so I can't be out with her as much as she would like to be.  

I would say having him in the yard would be safe, I check on my daughter fairly often, and so far she has been very good.  Good luck!  I know how hard it can be to let go... even just a little bit! Lol.