Children and Parenting

@mommaj (23112)
United States
February 17, 2009 11:34am CST
At what age would you leave your child alone? Can you be sure he or she is safe? Are you a bad parent for leaving your child unattended. You can't keep your child in a daycare after they are a certain age so what are you supposed to do?
1 person likes this
4 responses
inertia4
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
5 Jan 16
I am not the type of parent to leave my kids alone. No matter what age they are. I know, but I am not overbearing. My evil ex would leave them alone in a heartbeat. I think they should really be supervised while they are minors. Once they are considered legal, then it is okay to leave them unattended. Now, don't get me wrong, even being 14 or 15 is not bad to leave them alone. But, someone should be around for guidance.
1 person likes this
mommaj
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
5 Jan 16
@inertia4 I agree that they should be supervised and given guidance. They do need that. I'm not sure I will ever leave mine alone. She will move out and I will still show up at her house everyday.
1 person likes this
mommaj
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
6 Jan 16
@inertia4 Mine won't have to worry about me calling. I will just drop by everyday. LOL I agree you are a parent for the rest of your life.
1 person likes this
inertia4
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
6 Jan 16
@mommaj That's how I feel. I will give them their space, without a doubt. But I at least would call them everyday to see if they are alright. Being a parent does not end at the age of 18.
1 person likes this
arrah_1027
@arrah_1027 (190)
• Philippines
19 Feb 09
My child is 2 years old. I don't think I have to left him unattended by any close family members at home even if he's with his nanny.I'll leave my kid unattended upon reaching his 19 years of age. Sounds protective? funny but I'm a bit paranoid in terms of parenting.
mommaj
@mommaj (23112)
• United States
19 Feb 09
If you have a second child things will change. You may actually want to practice being away from your child before they start school unless you are going to home school. I only say this out of experience because your response suggests you are caring and will be devastated when your child goes to school.
cher913
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
17 Feb 09
my oldest is almost 15 and the youngest is almost 12. my 12 year old hates to be home alone without mom or dad so i try to be home when she is home (i only work part time) but my older daughter was ok and we used to leave her alone for an hour or two when she was 13 (during the day, never at night) but i dont think my 12 year old is ready and i wont force her either.
alharra
@alharra (507)
• United States
17 Feb 09
My oldest will be 13 in a few days... I would leave her alone for an hour or two bt no more. And that is with frequent phone calls while I was gone. There is no way I would leave my youngest alone right now- they are only 9. And I don't think I would leave my son alone until he's 15 or 16 probably. But that is because my son has Asperger's so he has no impulse control- he could set my house on fire whiloe he was trying to fix himself something to eat.