cell phone for 11 year old 6578no. i was walking probably about a mile or so to the town library all by myself when I was about 8. but that was a small new england town in...
and far
It definitely varies from area to area. Where you live, it would be different and I wouldn't be able to let them walk to where they wanted to go. Where I live, they can walk or ride their bike and get there in a short amount of time. Everyone has to look at their situation and decide for themselves what the kids can do. If they go to the movies, I have to drive them and pick them up and that is pretty much how we handle most places they have to go. Where the library is right now, there is a bunch of construction going on and no I don't let them walk to it, but I do drive them and then pick them up, that's why the need for a cell phone is needed. As for the apron strings, I was thinking of my mom and how she handled me and not anyone here. She was very overprotective and barely let me out of her sight and I decided a long time ago to educate my girls and let them experience stuff and not be so overprotective like my mom was with me. As with the cell phone, I agree with Barbara that I will eventually let them all have one because I do want them to be able to call me if they get into situations that they are uncomfortable with and need or want to come home. So far, sharing my phone is working because I barely use mine. -- Sue (mom to three girls)
