Outside play question

grinnysgirl

Would you let your 2 year old play outside by themselves? We have a fenced in backyard in a nice neighborhood with a storm door leading to the deck that slides down to be a screen so I can see and hear her. Obviously I would be checking on her frequently and we don't have anything obviously dangerous outside (although I know toddlers are notorious for making their own danger lol!). The thought of her out there by herself really scares me but at the same time having a newborn I can't always be outside 24/7 like she would like me to be so I was thinking there may be times this summer when I am cooking inside or tending to B that it may be okay for her to be out there where I can still see and hear her. Thoughts?

lucylea

I personally wouldn't leave Sophia outside unattended for longer than it takes to run inside and grab something.  On occasion I have had to run inside and go to the bathroom, but I make her sit on the step and not move the entire time I'm in there. I'm just not comfortable with it.  I do have friends who have fenced in back yards and leave their 2 year olds outside while they are inside, though, so maybe its just me being overprotective.  

Brooke7748

Honestly I'm going to be in the same pickle as you here shortly.  K is 18 months and we're due with number two in 8 weeks.  We don't have a fence in yet, but are hoping to get one either this summer or next summer.  My thought was to install a camera (after we get a fence) so I can keep the tv on when I'm cooking etc and he can be outsidee playing.  My husband said they're rather inexpensive (under $100-150ish) and we'll probably install two to cover the yard.  We have a ranch style house so I don't expect to be too far from the patio door at anytime (I wouldn't go downstairs etc).  However, we live in small town rather than DSM...don't know if that would make a difference.

sweetpea18

I let Reese stay outside by herself. I leave the back door open and we have window in the kitchen, so I can see her at all times. She usually spends her time running inside to see what I'm doing! Lol!

CarissaRenee

I don't think I'd feel comfortable. With that being said, she's only 16 months now, so I'm obviously unfamiliar with the 2-year old territory. Also, we live in the country and my worry would go right to random animals. How realistic of a worry is that, lol? Maybe when she's 2 and if I could see/hear her all the time, I would feel differently.

NewzieMom

Maybe if we didn't live in the city I would be more ok with it, but I am not sure. So far we have never let the boys play outside without us... Cole is 4 and I don't really see us letting him do it anytime soon.