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How old do they have to be?
This question is sparked by Sandies post. I was wondering how old YOU as an individual think a child needs to be to be left alone for a couple hours a day.
Personally, My daughter is turning 10 in another week and I find her to be VeRY responsible. I have taught her a lot and she is very independant. I have left her alone, and trust her in the house alone for up to two hours.
Granted my mother lives a couple miles away and I ALWAYS have a telephone contact with her if she needs me. But I think her maturirty level is VERY high. Her brother on the other hand, I can trust alone for about a 20-30 minutes.
We have the rules, of no answering phones unless its me.. (caller ID).... locking doors and all that j***.. She knows fire and emergency procedures and phone numbers and what our address is.
But then again, I think that there are some kids that just cant be trusted alone. Hell, I remember at the age of nine I was making four course meals for my dad before he got home. I knew how to use the oven and stove and did it everyday. I even babysat at the age of 12. Little bitty babies.
So I guess, I'm wondering what you think is appropriate. In Minnesota there is no LAW stating what is age appropriate, but rely on a parents reasonable discreation.
In our county, children under 12 have a curfew of 9 p.m. and on fri & sat its 10 p.m.
Of course I'd never let my kid stay out past dark, but I think they are quite responsible enough to be at home alone for a short period of time.
Personally, My daughter is turning 10 in another week and I find her to be VeRY responsible. I have taught her a lot and she is very independant. I have left her alone, and trust her in the house alone for up to two hours.
Granted my mother lives a couple miles away and I ALWAYS have a telephone contact with her if she needs me. But I think her maturirty level is VERY high. Her brother on the other hand, I can trust alone for about a 20-30 minutes.
We have the rules, of no answering phones unless its me.. (caller ID).... locking doors and all that j***.. She knows fire and emergency procedures and phone numbers and what our address is.
But then again, I think that there are some kids that just cant be trusted alone. Hell, I remember at the age of nine I was making four course meals for my dad before he got home. I knew how to use the oven and stove and did it everyday. I even babysat at the age of 12. Little bitty babies.
So I guess, I'm wondering what you think is appropriate. In Minnesota there is no LAW stating what is age appropriate, but rely on a parents reasonable discreation.
In our county, children under 12 have a curfew of 9 p.m. and on fri & sat its 10 p.m.
Of course I'd never let my kid stay out past dark, but I think they are quite responsible enough to be at home alone for a short period of time.
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