Parenting
By starrose_ara
@starrose_ara (784)
Philippines
October 21, 2010 12:55am CST
At what age can children be left on their own while their parents are at work? I got this neighbor who has two sons age 10 and 11. Since both of them are working they leave their son to take care of themselves while they are at work. They leave them with money to buy their food and school allowance. I understand their predicament. Although they both work they do not have enough money to pay for a maid or nanny to assist their kids while they are not around. The kids often play on the streets after school. I worry a little about them so sometimes I give them food to eat and allow them to play near my place so that I can watch over them. But this I can only do during weekends back then since I work in the office during weekdays. Now, I don't know if they are still living in the neighborhood or if they had moved along. Hope somebody is taking care of them while their parents are not around.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
24 Nov 11
I think it would depend on how mature the children were. In my opinion, if they were to be left alone for a while, they should have to stay in the house and have a meal prepared for them that they could heat up or eat easily. Mine were alone for an hour before school and about an hour after. There were very strict rules though. They were also responsible for making the bus...it picked them up right in front of the house so they were inside until it pulled up. I think they learned how to be on time with that...lol.
@genecgena (34)
• Philippines
22 Oct 10
I used to be 10 and my eldest sister 12 when our parents left us by ourselves whenever they go to work. They work 2 hrs from where we lived and they leave the house as early as five in the morning and they sometimes arrive home at 8 or 9 in the evening. Not that they wanted to do that on purpose but they had no choice because of their job and that time we don't have house helps. I didn't mention we were 6 children in the family and my two youngest siblings were both less than two years old. We managed to take care of our youngest brothers and sister and the house while our parents were away. I guess it's just a matter of teaching your children responsibility. Just make sure you make it up to them when you get home :)
