I reckons it is hard, when I was with my ex I had to keep charge over a 4 year old and a 8 year old, luckily we lived on a street where everyone kept an eye on the kids, but I was nearly physacally sick when the 4 year old went missing, he’d only nipped down the ginnel (terraced housing) and met up with some older lads etc etc, fucking frightened doesn’t even describe it!

i dunno theres an age like i was allowed to roam when i was 8-10, i think most parents are paranoid about there child going missing or being stolen, cos they read the newspaper/watch telly to much. its actually a very small proportion go missing or get stolen, but cos of media (again) we all get very paranoid about it. it is a pity as not letting kids play outside is like cutting off an artists hands (except not so extreme). maybe u could talk to some of the kids ur child hangs around with and with the parents, then have a neighbourhood watch. and talk openly with ur child about the dangers that are out there, it is always good to scare ur child about with the dangers out there then they are not so nieve to dangerous situations, good luck to ya

i cant really understand cos ive never loved anything so much, and as well it all depends how old she is, but its also bad for her immune system, she needs to be outside playing with mud etc. and playing in grass with snails etc. this will build up the immune system.

i was always allowed to roam about, even though it was a bit risky… i mean, maybe its cos my parents were just well lax but

it is frightenin tho. my cousin lives in a small town, and one of her friends from school was grabbed by someone and tried to be pulled into a car. luckily she struggled and an adult “chased” him off

but its a scary thought innit, and a shame that we have to be careful

i think if theres a larger group of kids it’s much safer tho

my dad and mum never told me not to talk to strangers, they always thought it was a ridiculous idea never to talk to strangers as you would never meet anyone or make any friends

Sounds to me like you are doing the right thing April.

You know your treasure needs to be protected, but you are also aware that you have to introduce her to the freedoms of the wider world.

This constant balance and judgement call will no doubt go on for years, so I guess we need to get used to it.

While camping last weekend I had one of ‘those’ moments. My six and three year-old sons were out of sight. Cue Dad running into the copse of trees next to our tent, to find them constructing a den. Timeless play.

Ha ha, just seen your allowed/aloud faux pas. Is ‘Kids Aloud’ the Girls Aloud equivalent of the fabulous ‘S Club Juniors’? LOL

stranger danger!

april, bear in mind that children are fare, far more likely to be harmed by someone known to them than by a stranger

having said that, i wouldn’t let young kids play in the street alone.. it’s just not very constructive apart from anything else

my daughter is 9 and she is quite responsible for her age. I have taught her to be aware of dangers but she doesn’t go too far.

It’s tricky coz you cant watch them 24/7 but it sounds like your doing a grand job anyways.

You know your child and your area where you live so i’m sure you’ll find a happy medium and have ace summer-if it ever stops raining!

i say teach them, instead of just covering them in cotton wool