Freedom and independence within limits

I have been having quite regular conversations lately with M, who's 8 in just over a month, about her need for some independence and freedom.  She is very clear that she feels the needs to be allowed 'out' on her own (or with K), but I have been wary of allowing this, even though I think she is ready for a bit more freedom in this way.  Much of my reluctance stems from the possibility of the girls being confronted as to why they're not at school, and although I do trust that they're sensible and articulate enough to tell people that they are home educated, I don't necessarily trust other people's reactions to that information.  M has got very upset at my point of view, to the point that I have sought other people's thoughts on the subject, as well as discussing it with A of course!  It is true that M is now the same age that K was when she first popped to the Co-op on her own to get a missing ingredient when I was in the middle of cooking, although I am aware that K does look much older as she's really tall for her age. 

We, A & I have come to the conclusion that occasional trips out on their own, for a specific purpose, whether that is a play in the park, a trip to the library or the shops is okay.  We will first have a conversation about responsibilities coming with rights and there will be strictly enforced limits (and watches are going to have to be worn!), but then we'll gradually ease up a bit on allowing some more freedom.  Eeek!

In other news, K & I worked through the second part of my first 'Punctuation!' worksheet, with another short paragraph from The Chamber of Secrets to punctuate.  This time there were some commas missing and I realised that my grasp of when commas should be used is actually pretty poor.  I think I generally write reasonably well and probably use commas correctly most of the time, but my use is mostly instinctive, so I'm finding it really rather interesting to find out the reasons commas belong where I put them.  K has also been reading our punctuation book with great interest, although, since it was during tea, it was rather frustrating to me, as K eats very slowly at the best of times and it was korfball this evening, and M was very annoyed because I don't generally allow reading during mealtimes.  While K & I were going through the worksheet, M had a go on Timez Attack and also wrote a thank you email to the friends who gave K & M Destination Hogwarts.  She has also been writing me more little notes and this afternoon she got her old copies of Puffin Post magazines out to read all the jokes to me.