Hello, this is my first post, so please bare with me. First, a little about us. I am married to my daughter's father for 11 years now. Our dd just turned 10 two weeks ago. She is an only child. We are working parents. In addition to my regular job I teach at night once a week to keep my child in a private school. We live in "Small Town" Oklahoma. So small that my husband and I come home for lunch and you can get anywhere in town in less than 5 minutes.

Our 10 year old, only child, very gifted child, is craving independence. Wants to ride her bike to the library this summer and to the YMCA, etc. I am scared to let her. She is easily distracted. At what ages should you allow this independence. She is already accustomed to staying home a few hours now and then by herself. She has expressed a desire not to attend her regular daycamp activities this year. I do plan on having her attend a few vacation bible schools and activities at the YMCA. But, now that I have rambled, how do you know when they are ready to venture on their own? I bought a bike for myself so that I could ride around with her and she could learn the streets. Any personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, this morning I let her ride the one block to the "Dollar Store" and she ended up making a right instead of a left. She figured out what she had done wrong and fixed it, but still it's these things have me worried.

Thank you in advance.