Here's this week's installment of Thursday Thoughts:
How old do you think your child should be before you leave them home alone? Does it depend on the child or do you think there is a common age, for example 13, where kids can manage for themselves alone?
Does it matter how far you are going or how long you are going to be out for?
I have recently begun letting my 11 year old (and a half, as she keeps reminding me) stay at home alone with her younger siblings if I am running out for something locally that will take me no more than a half-hour. She is very Type A and a mother hen so I am confident in her ability to handle whatever may come her way while I am out. That doesn't mean I have not had a panicked phone call or two when she thought she heard a strange noise in the house.
But I only leave her alone when I am staying local, no farther than the next town over, and again, for no more than a half-hour.
What are your thoughts?
Tell us in the comments.
Come back next Thursday for a discussion on more parenting and family issues.
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