Child Crossing Street Without Adult

When Can a Child Let Go of Mom's Hand While Crossing the Street?

February 16, 2011

Crossing the street on one's own is a major milestone. But before children ever set out on the pedestrian path alone, a parent has to loosen their grip. At some point, mom or dad decides a tot is mature enough to walk next to them rather than hand in hand. The decision to take this step often comes with an incredible trust that the youngster will listen to directions and won't dart out into traffic. When did you allow your kiddo to do this?

Source: Thinkstock

5 Comments

amber512 2 years 13 weeks

I agree, I think it has less to do with a child's age and more to do with their maturity level.

2 years 13 weeks

It really depends on so many things! The child's age I find has little to do with the decision, but how they behave and how well they understand and follow rules, what road we're on and what their mood is, and how many kids you have with you at the time! When I'm on my way to the school bus every morning with my 3 kids, they don't hold hands very often, nor in the afternoons on the way home, but if I get lucky and only have 1 or 2 kids with me at a time, we often hold hands because it's just nice and fun. There are also the times when holding hands is a method to keep the child moving at a proper place for whatever is going on. It's mucha easier and nicer than constantly telling a child to hurry up because we're running a bit late for the bus and don't want to miss it! Of course my 2 year old has to hold hands when she walks almost anywhere except to the park as it's only 8 houses down the street from us. There are even times when any of the kids will ask to hold our hand because they want to.

2 years 13 weeks

It really depends on the street for me. On our quiet side street I will let me 4 year old walk (and sometimes run ahead a bit) by himself. The street is very flat and easy to see if a car is coming. But I would never let him walk along on a busier/main street without holding my hand.

Rebecca M Gruber 2 years 13 weeks

Great timing! On the walk to school this morning, my now 5-year-old told me that he is old enough to walk next to me and not hold my hand. He thought we should try it. Little did he know that I was holding the hood of his jacket the whole time!