Home Alone - what age? - Page 2

[Live~Laugh~Love]

I think it would truely depend on the maturity of the child.

[luna-mia]

I know I was left in charge of my 3 younger brothers in 6th grade. I was a very mature responsible kid though. My ds was allowed to stay home at 11 -- but he's a mature kid too. it would depend on the dcs.

[Alkenny]

Depends on the child. For short trips to the store or to pick a sibling up from somewhere, I didn't leave DD home until she was 10-11. I left DS home at 9 though, for the same short 10-15 minute trips.

[Rmeg]

Great stuff. thanks.

[Goddess3_2005]

I think I was left alone by about 6. I was very mature. I was babysiting by age
9 for my 4 younger siblings. I really think it depends on the child, I can't get my 8 year old to brush his teeth with out being asked each time, so I am sure as heck not going to leave him home a lone.

[Ravin]

I think it very much depends on the child.

I stayed home alone regularly the summer I was 10. My younger sisters were in daycare, and I was in bicycling distance of my mom's work, which was across the street from the local library, while our house was 2 blocks from a city park and the municipal pool, to which I had a summer pass.

My sisters, however, weren't allowed to stay home alone until about 13 or 14. As my mom put it, she did worry that the house might burn down around me and I wouldn't notice because I had my nose in a book, but with my sisters she was more concerned that they would start the fire.

I also think where you live plays a big part. We lived in a small town. Big city life is a bit different.

[crunchy_mama]

Mom and dad left us around 12 or 13, we were responsible enough, but I would have still rather my mom been there, it was lonely. For me I think it is important, unless it is dire circumstances for a parent to be there, regardless of age, for support and such.

[becoming]

I think 12 is a good age.