Going to shop by themselves

[CherryCupcake]

By son is 8 and keeps telling me that all his friends are allowed to go to the shops by themselves.
The shop is a 5 minute walk, down our quiet street, down another quietish street and then across a road (which has a 'red man' crossing).
He is very sensible but not at all streetwise, I used to allow him to go to the bakery on his own but he didn't need to cross any roads for that.

Is he too young?

[Curmudgeonlett]

He is very sensible but not at all streetwise

why are you asking? isn't it obvious that a child who isn't streetwise should not be allowed?

[ishouldbeironing]

It is a tricky one - my kids accuse me of being overprotective.
Can he go to the shop with a friend - does it have to be on his own particularly the first time?

[southeastastra]

my son was about 8 when he started going to the shop alone. the novelty wore off quite quickly once i gave him shopping lists!

[CherryCupcake]

When I say streetwise I don't mean he would just walk across roads without looking etc, just that he's not one of these kids that's "used to the street" etc but surely they have to learn at some point? how will he ever become streetwise if he's not allowed out on his own?

He doesn't have any friends around here

[ishouldbeironing]

I would let him go

[juuule]

I read somewhere that most children can't judge the speed of oncoming traffic until around the age of 12. Seems a bit high to me but all the same I think 8 is possibly a bit young to cross a road that needs a crossing.

[KTeePee]

I still don't let my dd (10) go to the corner shop on her own - she would have to cross a side road to get there and there are always cars parked on the double yellow lines so visibility is poor...

I know she will be going to secondary school in a year or so and I will need to train her up by then....

I heard of a 10 yr old boy recently who got killed crossing the road (at a pelican crossing) - has made me more protective...