pull down to refresh
123 sats \ 3 replies \ @gnilma 6 Aug \ on: What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones alter_native
I guess my wife and I are too chill haha.
My kids started walking to school by themselves when my daughter was 9, son 8. They started going to the park and hang out with friends / walking to friends' home to hang out when my daughter was 10, son 9. They also started taking the bus to the mall with their friends when my daughter was 12, son 11. My son got into biking and had been biking all over the neighborhood with his buddy. On a few occasions, they even biked to the mall. He was 11 at the time.
They are 14 and 13 now. Both my daughter and son have yet to be abducted or sustained any injuries. IMO, kids are much more independent and capable than many parents think. Also IMO, this world is safer than many parents think.
preach, brother! This sounds like a pretty good childhood (perhaps because it mirrors my own to some extent). I realize I need to encourage my children to get out a bit and have some of their own adventures.
reply
I think having friend(s) to go with is very important. I think my kids got lucky. They knew this kid in school whose parents are busy working and spends most of his after school time with grand parents and siblings. In other words, he's pretty much free to do whatever he wants. He's the kid that invited and introduced my kids to taking the bus to the mall and spend after school hours just chilling at the mall. He's also my son's biking buddy and showed him around the neighborhood plus much more on their bikes.
Yea, I think it's great to encourage your kids to go out for their own adventures. They will probably enjoy it a lot and have a great time.
reply