Our three year old is about to turn four, and is bursting with a desire for independence. She's becoming more capable in all sorts of ways, and wants me to back off and let her do things. Today she wanted to go to the park by herself.
Now, we live close to the park, she could probably get there and back on her own, and I'm on the "kids can generally do things pretty young" end of the spectrum, but still, she's not even four yet. And while age is useful guide, she also can't safely cross streets, doesn't know my phone number, can't reliably use a walkie-talkie or watch phone, or handle enough of the range of unusual situations she might encounter at the park.
Still, this didn't mean saying no. Instead, I started by asking what she would do about the street. She asked if I'd help her cross, and I said that sounded good. We crossed the street, and started walking towards the park. When we passed a bench along the community path, ~75ft from the park and within earshot if she shouted, I told her I'd be sitting and reading, and if she had any issues she could come find me here. She looked both ways for bikes, crossed the path, and eagerly headed off into the park.
When I came over to get her 45min later she was having a great time, and sad that we needed to go. She was very proud of herself, and wanted to tell me all about her games.
Yesterday at the park, showing me how she's now strong enough to turn on the splash pad by herself.
I was glad she got the practice, and that I didn't end up needing to squash this spark of independence.