Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: kids unsupervised in common house

[Lynn Nadeau / Maraiah (welcome]

Here at RoseWind we have a separate Common House. It's locked on a keypad 
overnight as security, but unlocked all day. We presently have a rule that our 
kids under 13 (presently 4-9 yrs) may not be in there unsupervised. Our four 
teens may be, as they have shown they are pretty self managing. (Though I was 
startled to walk in and find a young teen diligently cleaning the kitchen 
counter with the floor broom!!). We also require adult on the scene if there is 
a sleep over that involves even one non-RoseWind kid. 

It's not about mess, so much as safety. Kids tend to show off for their friends 
(hey look what we get to do/use!) and don't always use wise judgement. The 
common house includes sharp knives, stoves, matches and lighters, high 
cupboards they could try to climb up to reach, an AED, and the possibility of 
random adults wandering in and interacting (though this hasn't yet happened 
when kids were there). We also have a TV in the Common House and kids know how 
to use it. We limit young kids out of concerns for their safety (and our 
liability, in the case of non-resident kid friends).

Maraiah Lynn Nadeau
RoseWind Cohousing, long built in Port Townsend WA, a very cool little liberal 
oasis.....
Where we have a rare resale available right now-- check it out!
www.rosewind.org