Do you let your kids play outside alone? (San Antonio, Anton: apartment complex, sex offenders)

[mamatotex97]

you are not alone. When mine was younger I did not allow him to play outside by himself or walk to a friends house on his own.

We are approaching high school so things are different now obviously.

[cinnamon_toast]

Yup, mine play outside alone, including the 4 year old. They know the rules and would never run into the street or wander off. But we don't live in the big city, either, although we do get a fair amount of traffic. You gotta do what's right for you, but damn -- you don't know what you're missing! I get so much done while they're out there playing. :P

[Chaka]

We have a corner lot, large fenced yard but entire yard is exposed.

My 4.5 yr old plays outside all the time. Usually it's on the side where I can see from the window (it's a double lot). She and the neighbor kids go back and forth between houses/yards. My only rule is that she not go out onto the street and stay within earshot (and answer when I call). I check on her frequently. Now she's made friends with the kids across the street, I let her play on that side of the house but check pretty often and she still has the rule not the cross the street.

Can't imagine keeping her locked up. We have a great neighborhood, lots of kids and adults who look out for the kids. My only realy worry is her runningout into the street, and we've put the fear into her enough I think she's not going to do that.

We live downtown.

[imcurious]

Do you all live in a war zone or a ghetto? Or do you just watch too much "scary" TV?

Poor kids.

[perticusrex]

Actually I do live in a rough area.

I think it depends on your neighborhood, your neighbors, and your comfort level. I am not comfortable letting my kids play outside in the front where cars fly down the street and other kids' parents aren't monitoring them at all. I don't trust anyone.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by perticusrex

Actually I do live in a rough area.

I think it depends on your neighborhood, your neighbors, and your comfort level. I am not comfortable letting my kids play outside in the front where cars fly down the street and other kids' parents aren't monitoring them at all. I don't trust anyone.

I wouldn't if I didn't have a fence, and when she was younger I didn't let her out at all. But now she understands not to go outside the fence. My biggest concern is cars, not someone snatching her.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by imcurious

Do you all live in a war zone or a ghetto? Or do you just watch too much "scary" TV?

Poor kids.

No,
we just don't want to have to make another baby to replace our kids.

[imcurious]

If you live in a "rough" area, I really do feel for you and you are doing the right thing.

If you live in a suburb or a generally safe area, and you are just paranoid, that is a different story.

You don't see kids playing outside anymore and that is a shame.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by imcurious

You don't see kids playing outside anymore and that is a shame.

But then when kids play outside in the street (not enough parks) people are complaining.
It really seems like San Antonio is lacking a lot when it comes to parks for kids. Especially in the suburbs.

[sapphire]

I drove by ?Maverick Park? I think it is, just off Bandera/Guilbeau last Sunday when it was still warm, and that place was packed. People DO take their kids to the park to play, and we actually have a decent amount of parks. Just up the road from that park is OP Schnabel.

There is also a park on Huebner and I can't think of the name, but it's ALWAYS packed, no matter the season. Summers are crazy there. Kids do get to play outside.