Here is a conversation I had with my youngest daughter. She is five years old. She was out riding her bike on the sidewalk out front of our house.
Me: "It is time to come in. Mommy needs to have a shower and get ready to go out."
M: "Why can't a 5 year old just stay outside and ride her bike by herself?"
Me: "Well honey, there are lots of people that pass by that Mommy doesn't know. It isn't safe."
M: "I won't talk to strangers!"
Me: "I know that. That isn't the problem. It is just that there are lots of people that pass by the house. I don't know everyone who comes by and I would worry that someone might come by and take you. " ( I know there are some that might not think that is appropriate to say to a child BUT I wasn't trying to scare her but just explain why I didn't want her to stay outside by herself)
M: "You have got to be kidding me. Like that would ever happen."
And THAT is why I'm glad we live in the middle of nowhere. If anyone strange happens upon the neighborhood, EVERYBODY notices.
ReplyDeleteSo true... I am lucky that we know all our neighbours and have a great community on our street BUT still wouldn't leave daughter out on her own
ReplyDelete