When should parents take on freedom and 'tell all' challenges with children

By Cosima Marriner
Updated November 23 2014 - 7:13am, first published 3:04am
Independence day:  Lily Molyneux, 5, looks out for the bus with older brothers Jordan, 8, and Bailey, 10. Photo: Edwina Pickles
Independence day: Lily Molyneux, 5, looks out for the bus with older brothers Jordan, 8, and Bailey, 10. Photo: Edwina Pickles
The world's longest umbilical cord?: Emma (left) and Imogen Murray hold their mobile phones, which their mother Trish gave them when they were in years 5 and 4 respectively. Photo: James Alcock
The world's longest umbilical cord?: Emma (left) and Imogen Murray hold their mobile phones, which their mother Trish gave them when they were in years 5 and 4 respectively. Photo: James Alcock

Parenting is an endless series of judgment calls. When is your child old enough to watch ABC3 instead of ABCKids? When are they ready to start school? When are they old enough to go to a party where there could be drugs and alcohol? The right answer will differ from child to child, depending on their personality, experience and your family's values. Yet there are some rough age guidelines parents can use to help them decide when their child is ready to take that next growing up step.

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