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When is your child old enough to start going out with friends without adult supervision?

Profile: KurtCups711
KurtCups711 on Jul 24, 2018
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Every child is different so some may be mature enough for the responsibility sooner than others. Give them freedom in little ways. Let them go out but require that they call to check in periodically. 14-16 seems like a safe range.
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Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jul 28, 2015
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I believe that it really depends on the individual child itself. Each person develops and matures at different rates, as a parent or guardian you should be able to tell which age would be appropriate for them to go out when you feel they can be responsible, though I do believe younger than the age of 12 would be too dangerous.
Profile: CHRISTI2016
CHRISTI2016 on Aug 6, 2015
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I think this is up to your discretion as a parent. Make sure your child is a point where you think he/she is mature enough to make good decisions without the help of supervision. With that being said, personally I would not allow a child under the age of 10 to be left alone without supervision in any case.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 1, 2015
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There is no pat answer to this question. It really varies depending on the maturity of your child, who the companion(s) is, and what the plans are. I expect there to be a plan in place. If my teenager is going to go out to Applebees with others on her soccer team, going to play ultimate frisbee, or the like, fine. Just "hanging out" is unacceptable. Don't get me wrong, sometimes, for whatever reason, though my teenager intended to do one thing, it got scrapped due to weather, unexpected closing, or other reason. This is life. But, when there is no plan in place, it can lead to boredom, which in turn, can lead to unfavorable results. Generally, because I homeschool and my children's best friends are their siblings, I have entrusted the care of children/teenagers to their older siblings care. At 16, when they can drive, they are permitted to spend time with others, pending approval.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jun 22, 2020
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When they show they are mature enough to make responsible decisions when adults aren’t present. Friends have a way of clouding your judgment, with age and maturity they are able to think for themselves and can choose what they feel is the right decision even if the rest of the friends disagree. This is something that does not necessarily come with age but with mental development. The ability to think for themselves, process events and scenarios that other of the same age might not be able to. When the see the consequences of their actions wether they are good or bad.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Nov 20, 2018
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as a kid my mother let us out to play on our estate at about 5-6 and I was fine , but now as a mother myself I couldn't let my 5 year old run around on her own out there ad be petrified and I just think shed be so easily swaded into making the wrong choices even though I trust her so defo not that young. I am not sure when me or my children with be ready for that but am sure it will at fall into place when its time! I really don't wanna follow the pressure of society :D
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Sep 20, 2023
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As a new parent myself and as someone who has professionally supported families for years, this is definitely one of those questions every parent thinks about. I think it's great that you reached out to gain clarity and I do hope that you are able to remind yourself that it's a deeply personal question that may have a different answer for everyone. I am wondering what the first answer that comes to your mind is when you ask yourself this question. Is there an age that ultimately comes into your mind? Without judging yourself or wondering what other people may think, this is often a mindful approach I take to start the baseline process with myself to figuring out what will align the best with my own situation and what would lead to the best outcomes for everyone involved. Have you explored questions such as the kind of neighborhood you live in? What other kids you see around that are hanging out with their friends and doing kid things without supervision? Have you started teaching your child about being Street smart and if not, what would you want your child to know. Opening up this line of communication with your child to see where they are at may be a helpful strategy. There's so many positive ways that you can move forward from this question. It's not going to be easy but you will slowly be able to trust your process and decisions from an authentic place.
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