Ok, when I dine in my "garden" its FAR less than 50 YARDS away from my house. And my yard is large for american standards, let alone english "garden" standards (very tiny yards in the UK). Additionally, when I dine in my garden, hundreds of strangers dont' have have access to my childs room without passing me. In fact, I can see the door to the house thats accessible from the street from the "garden".
So tell me another one, GM. This one stinks.
Thank goodness that someone is saying this again - loudly and clearly! I was beginning to think that I am paranoic about children's safety. I am not blessed with children myself but I am a firm favourite with my friends who have small children because I am more than happy to have them for sleep-overs if their parents come to dinner, or have a special event to attend themselves.
Yes - I have a small English garden, and I live in a very quiet and pretty exclusive area. However, when I sit in the garden - or even the "back room" in my house - I am conscious that my front door and hall leads directly to the stairs - and up to where the babes are sleeping. The front door is bolted, chained and locked. Anyone wanting access would have to come through to my garden and get past me! (Oh, the dog also protects the side drive so I don't think I will be seeing anyone in the garden after all!)
I just don't think that this level of risk-assessment and adult protection is more than children deserve.