Forbidding children from entering to a widow's house

Q 2: A Sheikh forbids nine-year-old boys from entering to the widows' houses; it is also said (Part No. 20; Page No. 446) that he forbids even seven-year-old boys. What is the ruling on this?

A: The widow who observes her `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after widowhood) is like any other woman, with regard to appearing before Ajanib (men other than a husband or permanently unmarriageable male relatives). However, the widow observing `Iddah must remain in her home and not wear adornments. Children who have no sexual desires are not forbidden from entering to her house. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions.