How old before kids stay home

[littlesista06]

Because they're all too chicken. My sister even say's she doesn't approve (although she wouldn't admit that to my mother) but say's her kids are too old for her to be trying to tell them what to do and not to do. They probably wouldn't listen to her anyway and it would probably end up in a nasty fight.

IMO it isn't just leaving the kids home alone and them behaving or not behaving, but I worry about something happening. What if they decide they're hungry and try to cook something on the stove, matches? What if someone broke in or tried breaking into their house while they were by themselves? What if one or the other got hurt somehow? Do you really think a 10 year old is old enough to handle such of an emergency?

I don't think my mom was out of line for saying something. She didn't say it to be bossy, but because she was concerned.

Well... there's only about two solutions to this. Let it go and pray nothing happens to her little darlings. Or, tell her when she needs to go out, you'll watch them. Why doesn't she use a babysitter anyway? It's not like they are too old for one.
Unfortunatley some parents make lousy decisions when it comes to the well-being of their own children. I see it everyday working in a preschool.
So, we can either help them as far as we can, or let them be and just hope the children come out of it unharmed. jmo

[Diane]

Well... there's only about two solutions to this. Let it go and pray nothing happens to her little darlings. Or, tell her when she needs to go out, you'll watch them. Why doesn't she use a babysitter anyway? It's not like they are too old for one.
Unfortunatley some parents make lousy decisions when it comes to the well-being of their own children. I see it everyday working in a preschool.
So, we can either help them as far as we can, or let them be and just hope the children come out of it unharmed. jmo

It's not me... it's my sister's ds and his wife. (they live about 3-1/2 - 4 hours away from me) I think they don't get a sitter because it's easier not to. No cost... free. It's worked so far so I don't see anything changing any time too soon.

[Diane]

Unfortunatley some parents make lousy decisions when it comes to the well-being of their own children. I see it everyday working in a preschool. So, we can either help them as far as we can, or let them be and just hope the children come out of it unharmed. jmo

I saw this all the time when I did dc. Parents who wanted more kids but never seemed to want to spend any time with the ones they already had. It wasn't enough for me to take care of them all day, but then they'd be calling and asking me if I'd mind keeping them during their evening hours too. (when they should be spending time with them) They never seemed to miss them... but the kids were sure missing mom/dad. It was pretty sad..... I hate to judge but sometimes it's hard not to.

[Beth/TX]

I would trust my dd1 (10) to stay home alone. I don't feel comfortable leaving her with her brother and sister though. I don't have a set age when I'll feel comfortable with that. It all depends on how responsible and mature she is.