QUICK! what would you do?

[nextcommercial]

There's a little boy riding a two wheeler up and down my street. He's alone, it's a quiet neighborhood, and he's fine. I've checked on him a few times. He's just happily riding his bike.

He's blonde... we don't have a single blonde kid on this whole street. I'm not even sure I've seen one in the whole neighborhood. So, I know he doesn't live on this block. But, he could be from the street behind us.

He's clutching a dollar and says he's waiting for the ice cream man. LOL (now I want ice cream)

He's not in school, because school doesn't get out until 3:30. So, I would say he's about four.

I'm inclined to just leave the boy alone, because he's fine and seems to know what he's doing. (but the ice cream man isn't coming until school gets out)

My Mother in Law thinks I need to tell him to go home. LOL.. "um, this isn't 1963.. I can't go tell him to go anywhere" and one of my daycare parents think I should call the police. I think this is a complete overreaction.

So, am I underreacting?

Oh.. extra information... it's well over 100 degrees here. He doesn't have a water bottle. But, he's quite good on a two wheeler, and he does seem very happy.

[meemee]

i think you are doing fine. i would just keep an eye on him.

[chicoandthemama]

You could go out and just say "Hi!" when he passes by and see how he responds...

[Attached2Elijah]

First, I would ask him where he lives. He may be visiting relatives or something that might be right near you and they can see him out the window... Then I would ask him if his parents know where he is. Then judge from his answer... if it seems dangerous, I would call someone. If it seems reasonable, let him be on his way. 4 is a little young to be out by himself but depending on the circumstances, it might be something acceptable. Let us know!

[LynnS6]

Ask him if he knows where he lives and how to get home. Ask him if his mom/dad (or whoever is watching him) knows where he is.

If he can tell you where he lives (or better yet, show you) and his caregivers know where he is, I'd leave it. He might be in K and only go half days. He might just be an independent 4. I remember our neighbors letting their 4 year old roam when my oldest was about 2. I was a little stunned. But, she was #3 of 4, and they always knew where she was. Now my kid is the 6 year old that makes other parents uncomfortable because I let her roam further than they let their kids roam.

[nextcommercial]

LOL.. so, I sent my teenager out with a dollar bill to ask him when the ice cream man is coming. He said "I don't know. But, he was here yesterday". So, she asked him where he lives, he pointed to the end of the street. (I know he doesn't live there, but maybe around the corner) So, she offered him some water and told him "I don't think the ice cream man is coming until the school bus stops here first". He was OK with that answer and he said he'd come back after the school bus came home. Then he rode towards where he pointed and turned the corner.

[cycle]

I let my five year old go up and down our block when I am out in the yard. Some people at the far end of the block might think he is out alone, but we live in a neighborhood that kids have a little freedom so I don't think anyone would say anything. I would think nothing of seeing a four year old riding his bike in my neighborhood alone. I can't believe it would cross anyone's mind to call the police or intervene in any way.

[meemee]

Originally Posted by nextcommercial

LOL.. so, I sent my teenager out with a dollar bill to ask him when the ice cream man is coming. He said "I don't know. But, he was here yesterday". So, she asked him where he lives, he pointed to the end of the street. (I know he doesn't live there, but maybe around the corner) So, she offered him some water and told him "I don't think the ice cream man is coming until the school bus stops here first". He was OK with that answer and he said he'd come back after the school bus came home. Then he rode towards where he pointed and turned the corner.

done BEAUTIFULLY mama. sending your child out was GENIUS. i think children respond better to children. i just hope he doesnt miss the icecream truck.

[LynnS6]

Originally Posted by nextcommercial

LOL.. so, I sent my teenager out with a dollar bill to ask him when the ice cream man is coming. He said "I don't know. But, he was here yesterday".

Happy to know he didn't spend all day waiting for the ice cream man.

I'm just imagining the conversation he'd had with his mother and mom giving up in frustration saying "fine, go wait for the ice cream man!"

[nextcommercial]

Originally Posted by LynnS6

Happy to know he didn't spend all day waiting for the ice cream man.

I'm just imagining the conversation he'd had with his mother and mom giving up in frustration saying "fine, go wait for the ice cream man!"

I heard the ice cream truck down by the park a little while ago. He hasn't even driven down my street yet. Good thing the little boy went home, he'd have been waiting all afternoon.

I hope he got his icecream.

LOL.. and my daughter said he's waiting because they have bugs bunny with bubble gum eyeballs. LMBO!!! Who wouldn't wait in the hot sun for one of those awesome things???

[sapphire_chan]

In stores and the library and the like, I ask:
Do you know where your grown ups are?
Do your grown ups know where you are?

and then if the kid looks confused (sometimes a 2 year old won't know "grown up") "Where's Mommy?"

ETA: 8/10 I spot the adult next thing, 2/10 the kid says something like "right over there".

I suppose when DD's older I'll be able to use her.

[sapphire_chan]

Originally Posted by nextcommercial

He's clutching a dollar

Originally Posted by nextcommercial

he's waiting because they have bugs bunny with bubble gum eyeballs. LMBO!!! Who wouldn't wait in the hot sun for one of those awesome things???

In that case, I hope he was actually clutching a $5.

[nextcommercial]

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan

In that case, I hope he was actually clutching a $5.

LOL.. All I really saw was sweaty well worn bill wrapped tightly around the hand grip under his hand. But, I was thinking the same thing. I bet that's more than a dollar.

[meemee]

nah tweety bird with gum eyes or ninja turtles with gum eyes are a $1 here. if it was $5 then the poor icecream truck would run out of business.

[mumm]

WWID? Nothing. My kids would be scared off by a stranger talking to them.

And the character pops (not really ice cream, actually dairy free I think) with gumballs cost $2.75 here. They stain something fierce, taste terrible and are loved by my kids!

[pigpokey]

Seriously, someone wanted to call the police? I think that's completely inappropriate for a child not in distress.

[Llyra]

I can't imagine why you'd even think you needed to keep an eye on him. He's riding his bike-- don't kids do that anymore?

[sapphire_chan]

Originally Posted by Llyra

I can't imagine why you'd even think you needed to keep an eye on him. He's riding his bike-- don't kids do that anymore?

A four year old?

Originally Posted by pigpokey

Seriously, someone wanted to call the police? I think that's completely inappropriate for a child not in distress.

Depends on the neighborhood.

[sapphire_chan]

Originally Posted by meemee

nah tweety bird with gum eyes or ninja turtles with gum eyes are a $1 here. if it was $5 then the poor icecream truck would run out of business.

Lucky kids!

[nextcommercial]

Originally Posted by Llyra

I can't imagine why you'd even think you needed to keep an eye on him. He's riding his bike-- don't kids do that anymore?

Not alone. And, not in this heat. Personally, I think this street is extremely safe, and I would let my child out to play... but, not in August or September. But, like I said, he was happy, safe and looked completely confident.

He was out for a long time today too. So, I am assuming his parents know he's out here. I feel fine about it really... I am more nervous about the heat than kidnappers.