Most of us have seen the movie, “Home Alone”. We watched as Kevin was left home alone not once, but twice and maybe even more. We watched him battle the bad guys and win in the end.
But, in the real world, how old is old enough?
I know where I live, in California; there is no real stipulation or law as to how old your child has to be before you can leave them home alone. They base it on the responsibility level of the child, and the parent’s own judgment.
I have a ten year old, an eight year old and a two year old. I feel comfortable leaving my ten year old home for brief moments, like if I have to run up the street to get the mail, or down the street to pick something up from neighbors. I do not feel comfortable leaving my eight year old alone for any length of time.
Not too long ago, my eight year old son wanted to have a sleep over at his friend’s house. I spoke with the child’s mom, we made arrangements and he spent the night. Come to find out the next day that she had left in the morning and left the two boys and another eight year old all home alone together. I was obviously upset, as I wouldn’t even leave my son alone, how could she make that decision for me?
So, what do you think qualifies a child to be responsible enough to be left home alone for example while you’re at the grocery store? Do you really think they would know what do if faced with a difficult decision? Would they really not open the door or answer the phone? Would they really know what to do in case of an emergency or a fire?
Give me some feedback; I’d really like to know!