Thread: over protective or not enough W/kids

heres my question:
it seems like all of the kids in our neighborhood run wild with no parents around, and for some reason they all come to my house. I dont even know any of there parents, and some I dont even know where they live. I sometimes get to the point that I dont even want my kids to go out and play because then they all come over and I have to take care of them. (these kids range from 3-7 in age) I never let my kids roam the neighborhood(4 & 8) I am just too afraid that something will happen and I dont let them go over to friends houses unless I make arrangements with there parents and I know them really well. Am I being to over protective or are other parents not enough?

I just this year have eased up slightly on my ds (8.5). He can ride his bike up and down our block, but must be in eyesight of our house. He can play in neighbors backyards, but only if he asks me and answers when I holler at him. My neighborhood is small and relatively safe (everyone thinks that tho).

Next year, he'll have to switch to the other elem. school and rather than get picked up at our house, he'll have to walk to the end of our block, turn and go another block to the stop. I will not be able to see him after he turns and I am not liking this. He'll be at a stop with kids of all ages, tho the bus w/ only be elem. students. I may have to take him, but don't want him to be teased for being babied ya know?

Its so hard letting go!!

But no, you are right on the money. The other parents probably see a free babysitter when they send thier kids out. I feel for ya. I wouldn't do it.

Better to be over protective than to have regrets. Only you can know what is right for you and your children. I would talk with each and every one of those kids parents, and let them know that your not the neighborhood babysitter and would prefer it if they not come over to your yard unless they are invited by you. Just tell them you dont like feeling like your responsible for their well being while they are in your yard. I had to do this before when my children were little.

The way I always handled small children showing up on their own was to tell them the only way they could stay was if mom or dad showed up in person so I could meet them....if you only knew how many parents wouldnt take the time to come and meet me so their child could play in my yard.....really makes you wonder.

Originally Posted by ilovecats

I agree with both of you.Some of the things I see children(who are way too young to be out hanging around alone)doing just shocks me.

Me too! I just found out that a girl 14 in our neighbor hood was pregnant. OMG I about flipped my lid. ( the parents were/are NUTS I swear, I didn't let my kids play with their kids at all. They locked their kids out of the house, never had any food and so many other things that made me dislike them.)( The worse part the 14 year old is no longer pregnant, ( mother took her to plan parenthood, enough said) and the girl is still out roaming the streets)

So if my children want to go somewhere in the neighborhood I have to know every detail! And won't let my kids go to anyones house, unless I have made contact with the parents and I feel that I can trust them. Even then, I make the kids take a cell phone, and call at certain times.

You are not over protective. You're just a good mother..

I live in a neighborhood that has kids all up and down this street close to my 11 yr olds age. I am the mom responsible for drinks. Another mom is responsible for icy pops, another watermelon. oh and I usually do marshmallows over the charcoal grill when there are a bunch of kids and the fire is still hot..

Point being when those kids are older they will remember how uber a mom you are even though you feel like your babysitting the entire neighborhood.. There should be more moms like you out there

Originally Posted by BBELEAZAHR

heres my question:
it seems like all of the kids in our neighborhood run wild with no parents around, and for some reason they all come to my house. I dont even know any of there parents, and some I dont even know where they live. I sometimes get to the point that I dont even want my kids to go out and play because then they all come over and I have to take care of them. (these kids range from 3-7 in age) I never let my kids roam the neighborhood(4 & 8) I am just too afraid that something will happen and I dont let them go over to friends houses unless I make arrangements with there parents and I know them really well. Am I being to over protective or are other parents not enough?

This is how it is here, exactly. I end up with the neighbor's kids here because no one else watches them! And they have been taught NO manners at all, I'd bust my kids butt if she acted like that.

well I feel better now I was just getting so mad at these other parents, I was starting to think I was the only one who didnt let my kids run through the neighborhood.