I have a 5yo and an almost 5 month old. We live in a quiet cul-de-sac facing a green area surrounded by railings. On one side we live next to a 3yo little boy and on the other a 10yo little girl.

I was looking after my 4yo nephew the other day and they wanted to play outside so I strapped on the baby and off we went for a kick about. When he went home we continued to play outside until baby got fussy and needed a feed. At that stage the 3yo and 10yo neighbours were playing with us along with 3yos dad so I told my 5yo I had to go in and feed baby and she begged me to stay out. I thought seeing as there was an adult supervising it'd be OK but to stay where I could see her. I swear I came in and basically stood at our window watching her the whole time (while NOT feeding the baby!). I don't know if I'm being too overprotective or damn right to not take my eyes off her!

My anxiety only worsened when the 3yo and his dad went in and she was left with the 10yo and her friend. They asked her if she wanted to play with them and of course she jumped at the chance. My daughter is extraordinarily tall for her age but is still only 5 at the end of the day and I couldn't in good faith leave a 10yo responsible for her. Could I?

I feel so sorry for my girls cos I swear they won't be let out til they are 25 the way I feel!!

How do you police freedom with your kids if at all in this day and age? I have lovely memories of playing outside when I was little and I want my little girls to have them too but it just seems so much more dangerous these days!