I have a very emotional decision to make. My oldest child is 12 and my second is 10. I live in Wisconsin, where they are have babysitting classes for children that is my oldest son's age. My oldest is wanting to stay home, when we make plans, and tell me that 'all his friends are'. I am wondering what is the opinion on this subject? Can I leave then alone for a few hours? I have been a stay at home mom for most of their life, and it has become a routine that they come with to run errands and such. I live in a small town, so I must travel a distance to go to the grocery store, etc.
Am I being to over-protective? Is it time to 'lengthen the apron strings'???? What is the right time? What is the right age???
My children are very mature, and I have left them alone for, at the most, 45 minutes.
am I a bad mom for NOT letting them stay home? Am I a bad mom if I decide to let them stay home????
HELP!!!!!!!
. But is was concurred last week that all kids are different and actual age does not determine their ability to stay alone. Also there should be several test runs where you surreptitiously observe them. Good luck.
It depends on your kids.
bookreaderdebI have a 15 year old and a 12 year old.
My oldest was ready to be left alone at an earlier age than my
youngest. Just listen to them. If your oldest is asking to be left alone,
then he doesn’t have any fears and that’s a good thing. Do you have a cell phone? This relives a lot of anxiety for both of
you. Start out by leaving them alone for
short periods of time, make sure they know the rules about the phone, the door,
etc. Call and check on them. It will get easier and soon you will have
such a sense of freedom. Now that our
kids are older we can even go to a movie or out to dinner! What a relief. (Not that we have time for it much but it's
nice when we do.)
11:21 AM CST