Leaving kids at home alone... - Page 2

belinda · 04-06-2006, 10:55 AM

Thanks girls. I wasn't sure if it was a law from state to state or nationally. But, certainly, I will have to check into everything first.

Sorry about the confusion!

Kris · 04-06-2006, 11:01 AM

Belinda,

I also read your message in a completely different context from what it was meant to be read as. For some reason, I thought you were asking if it was ok to leave your 11 year old while you were in the hospital. DOH!! I'm sorry, I'm totally whacked out here!

At 11, I would think an hour or so, for a really mature responsible kid, would probably be ok. I was left for hours on end at that age, with my sister, who is 5 years younger than I am, so that's where my deep resentment comes in.

I'm sorry I misunderstood!!

Koloe · 05-05-2006, 05:29 PM

I was left home alone after school at the age of 9-1/2 for about 2-3 hrs I think. I wasn't overly keen on it, mainly because I was use to my 5 brothers (ages 14-5) being home with me then, but my parents had just finalized the divorce and they moved away with my Dad. Eventually my mother had me going to the same daycare as my sister (after we moved) when I was done with school. She did that because I was lonely at home and I would have been home alone for several hours each day. I know that by the time I was in 6th grade - age 11-1/2 - I was home by myself. My sister who was in kindergarten came home with me after school - but was in daycare in the morning.

When I turned 12 I started babysitting for neighbors children - including infants.

It not's illegal (based on something I saw on CNN headline news earlier this year) in most places to leave young children home alone IF the child is mature enough and is able to follow basic safety guidlines. Knows not to let people in, knows where to get help, ect. Does she feel OK if she is by herself for a short time? Each child is different. Some 8 year olds can stay home by themselves safely. Some 14-year-olds should not be left home alone.

I would let her stay home alone when you go to the store some time and see how that works out. She may find that she's not ready for it after a couple times of being home alone.

belinda · 05-05-2006, 05:37 PM

Yes...I think you're right there. She is a very mature 9 going on 10. She has already asked me about staying home while I run up the street. Maybe I will have to do that. Let her stay at home while I run up to the store. Zachery, Daddy and I can run up to the store and just see how she does. If it doesn't work out, we are right down the street. LITERALLY. Still makes me nervous though. There are just some wackos out there now-a-days, so, I just want to prepare her for what to do.

I can see her now. She would roll her eyes at me right now if she knew that I said that. She would put her hands on her hips and say, "come on Belinda! I am NOT 5!" But, I'm just very over protective.

Kris, I'm sorry that I didn't see your response back in April when you posted your reply...don't know how I missed it. It's ok hon! No biggie! I thought for sure you guys thought I was Nutso.

Thanks for your response. I giggled that you thought would leave her at home while I was in the hospital. I need to stop writing only 'partial thoughts'...it's a fault of mine. Forgive me!