Children playing outside in closed area.

We live next door to a shul, with a gate in the wall so we can go through. The shul is on a large peice of land, with a large metal gate which can only be opened if you know the code, or are buzzed in. Gnerally the shul is quiet during the day, but occasionally a car may drive in or out.

its a great space to ride bikes etc for my kids - I'm just wondering how safe it is for them to ride there alone without me watching. there is a path they can ride on that cars do not go on but at some point they have to walk or cross the driveway.

I think its ok, dh does not. What do you think?

(my kids are 9, 8, 7 and 4)

Diamond Member Joined: May 26 2008 Posts: 2613

It probably depends how safe your city/neighbrohood is but the fact that it sounds so isolated is really what makes me nervous. Could you hear them calling from there?

its a safe neighbourhood. I can hear them from my kitchen. my garden is very small, it is only a few steps away. And they would not be there for hours - just a few minutes so they can ride their bikes - our garden is too small for that. The thing I am worried about is cars driving in. otoh my friends who live in a gated complex with cars going in and out every minute have no problem letting their little kids play outside and cross the road by themselves.

it is not so isolated - people (from our community) go in and out, and the caretakers house in on site.

Diamond Member Joined: May 26 2008 Posts: 2613

I'm no experienced mother but if you let your older kids cross streets on their own, why would this be any worse? (the four year old I could hear you not trusting to look carefully every time he crosses the driveway.)

Posted: Mon, Feb 23 2009, 4:43 pm Post subject:

Diamond Member Joined: May 26 2008 Posts: 2613

ah iirc my siblings and I crossed streets at that age but obviously those were vey quiet streets. Ok I guess you've got to see if you can trust them to be careful etc (my oldest and only k'h is 16 mos)