Reality Show Has Toddlers Running Errands Alone

Would you let your young children run errands for you all by themselves? That’s the premise of a popular reality show imported from Japan by Netflix. The show features toddlers running around town doing errands, all without their parents. A 2-year-old went on a 23-minute walk to buy food and flowers, and a 3-year-old retrieved his dad’s jacket from home, which was a bus ride away. Of course the kids aren’t totally alone, as they’re followed by a camera crew and producer.

[SarahHogan]

I wish the world was safe enough to do this everywhere.

[woopityscoop]

The "first errand" event is actually a pretty big thing with kids in Japan.

[JordeeFam]

You definitely can’t do this in America, unfortunately. Japan is a lot safer I personally still wouldn’t do it, but I understand why it’s done in Japan

[EddVCR]

I grew up in Japan, and kids running errands is an everyday thing over there. It teaches them how to navigate the world, be independent, and boosts their confidence. A child’s first errand is a kind of rite of passage over there, and it’s all possible because how insanely safe it is in Japan.

[maaduufan]

When I went to Japan I saw a lot of 5-6-year-old children walking alone confidently. And they have such a good manner too like offering their seat to their elders. So cute.

[minira]

In Japan actually our country is quite safe that’s all.
I went to school without adults every day since I was 6 years old. I don’t feel scared walking on the street at 1:00 am alone.
I feel super safe compared to other countries that’s why I love Japan.

[ryanscott]

When you design cities around _people_ instead of _cars_ it's possible to give kids the independence they deserve.

[cristyknapp]

The kids aren't exactly alone because the camera crew is with them

[jasubion]

In Switzerland, this is also pretty normal. Even kids at 3 years old go to school on their own.

My husband grew up in Japan and he remembers he ride his bike at 4 years old and he can go anywhere with it. He also go to the kindergarden alone with his bike.

Its really about how safe the community is.

[RainyToaster]

In Japan's culture, a child's first errand is something worth celebrating, as they consider it a step closer to becoming independent, because in Japan, independence is a huge, widespread thing.

[TheUnknownhumangirl]

I'm Asian. I remember being sent by my mom to buy veggies at a neighborhood shop/convenient store when I was 6yrs old and go back home when I was done. It was for me to learn how to do things independently. Along the way, I got used to it. I was also taught to be careful wherever we went and whoever we talked to. Same goes with riding public transpo etc.

Asian parents teaching kids to be independent at a young age is quite normal. Kudos to the show. 👍

Edit:
Wow! Thank you for the 1k Likes 🙂
Again, I'm just sharing my childhood experiences doing errands without my mom/dad. Again, it's really up to the parents when to teach children how they to do things own their own (such as letting them do their first errand w/o them!). My parents taught me earlier so I can get a headstart on independence. Anyway, have a good day! 🙂

[cpb]

Omg I am so proud of these kiddos. This is a big skill to accomplish at their age.

[Amber-leds]

This is part of the culture and just because you wouldn't do it doesn't mean its wrong. Its safer in Japan.

[NaomiTru]

I live in JP and I promise this is true. The children here take the train as well as the bus, nobody messes with them. The culture here’s much kinder than back in the states.

[OldWorldNY]

It’s actually adorable. If we weren’t such a disgusting species this would be the norm

[meeks]

I don’t know if this would be possible anywhere else in this world- this show has been airing for 20 plus years and it blows my mind that they still do it

[BreeCuppycake]

The fact this show is so old and randomly gained popularity in the states is funny

[MASTEROFEVIL]

It's pretty insane how safe Japan is. I can't imagine sending a young child out on their own here in America

[signediaz]

this is common in japan, kids learn to run errands and have responsibility, everyone knows to look out for them

[tinatimetravel]

I moved to Japan recently. It's crazy on the difference. I went to a children's museum and it was quiet. No kids screaming, yelling or throwing tantrums. All in line and having fun. Back at home in Texas, I've seen alot of parents have guns around their kids without any proper training or safety precautions. Many parents feed their kids until they have health issues and excessively using ipads as a substitute for entertaining the child. There will always be a cultural difference wherever you go. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but just criticizing blindly without understanding the culture is pointless. How bout just doing what's best for your own kids?