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Reader comment on:
Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone

Submitted by Bec Tardent, Oct 4, 2010 08:14

I heard your response to the question that was thrown at you - and you answered really well..

I applaud you for what you did. I myself have a son who has High Functioning Autsim and the goal has always been for as independance and enabling my son to carry out tasks as he can manage.

After training him how to cross a road, including the use of cross walks and to be aware that sometimes cars don't stop at cross walks - they sometimes don't see you etc. AND after training my son on how to ride his bike safely at 8 years of age he was able to ride his bike a few blocks and through a park to help his Uncle with some Saturday Jobs around the house.

My son has enjoyed his independance and at each stage we look on how to increase it to another level of independance.

My son then was able to walk the short distance into town - a street away and purchase milk and bread at the bakery for us..

Kids LOVE independance and being trusted, it encourages them to grow, mature and develop.. they are too often wrapped up in cotton wool

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
I used to walk across London by myself as a nine year old, from the East End to Hyde Park... [MORE]	Anne Wilby	Jan 12, 2011 08:20
I am watching an ABC program on children and the mental development of children and how we need to let... [MORE]	elizabeth petkau	Jan 10, 2011 09:30
I heard your response to the question that was thrown at you - and you answered really well.. I applaud you...	Bec Tardent	Oct 4, 2010 08:14
Children are born fearless. "It is better to be in Danger, than to live in Fear." unknown author. Being afraid... [MORE]	Lori Latimer	Sep 20, 2010 19:44
Thank you very much!! I am glad that other parents still have some common sense these days. In my town... [MORE]	MaryEllen Mehler	Sep 21, 2008 09:43
A little scary, yes. What you mention about parents anxieties and fears goes along with how we're a country built... [MORE]	Sheila Devereaux	Aug 29, 2008 18:56
Excellent. Many of those who talk of fear make their living from it. I was riding the train when I... [MORE]	Richard L Walker	Aug 29, 2008 00:19
I only wish my parents had done the same for me when I was a kid. I don't think I... [MORE]	Michelle in SF	Aug 27, 2008 16:01
John Stewart recently gave a speech at some sort of big convention for news media. One of the things he... [MORE]	Thomas	Aug 27, 2008 13:38
WOW! Bravo! My mom even now wont let me take metro through DC...and I'm 17. You are one of the... [MORE]	Ernesto Lopez	Aug 27, 2008 08:33
I just want to congratulate you! You not only allowed your son to have an adventure, you showed trust in... [MORE]	stephanie	Aug 26, 2008 11:45
I am currently a 50-year-old, Manhattanite native (Puerto Rican) that took the train by myself as young as 9 and... [MORE]	Sam Sanchez	Aug 9, 2008 07:19
Way to go. As someone who grew up in New York City (Queens) I was taking buses around the borough... [MORE]	Ben P.	May 16, 2008 14:08
Bravo to him and brava to you! [MORE]	tom	May 5, 2008 21:18

Comment on Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone

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