Five Year Olds Independence

How much older is this friend that he can stay alone? I thought the legal limit was 11 for by himself and 14 to baby-sit? I would be more concerned about that and them being left alone than the little walk over there. If he is being supervised then just watch him walk to his friend's house. That way he still feels independent and he is being watched.

There are many other ways to give your 5yo some independence. This is not one of them. I wouldn't let my children walk next door unsupervised and I would NEVER let them play at someones house that not only am I not there but there is no adult there. Have this boy come over to your house.

Your husband is not being over-protective here.
M.

I would have to agree with your husband on this. I have a 10 year old daughter and a 5 year old son (who will be 6 in July) and I wouldn't allow either of my kids to walk to a friends house. Also, knowing that the mom of the other little boy leaves him at home alone, my son wouldn't be allowed to play over there. I am sorry, but a cell phone is not going to save my son from being hurt or even worse being kidnapped.

I have a 7 year old boy and would not let him go by himself, either. It isn't that I don't think he could do it, I know he could. I don't trust other people.