What it too young....?

Question

What do you all feel about a 2nd grader coming home from school by herself for 30 minutes? Is it too young? What is a good age to start then?

Hold on before everyone jumps on me!! I'm asking because I friend of mine wants to let her child come home alone. I wanted to know what other parents think about this. I agree that 2nd grade is a little too young for that as well. I just wanted to see if others thought that it was ok. Please don't jump on me.

Answer 1

I think it is way too young. Think about all the things that could happen. What if a child predator saw that the child was home alone. Where I live, they now hava a law that states that any shild under the age of 14 cannot be left without supervision. Which in essence is forcing a lot of people to break the law because there is not public daycare for children over 12 here. As to when they are old enough, find out the laws in your state and look also at your child's maturity level.

Answer 2

There have been latch-key kids of that age. The children would come home from school, let themselves in and lock themselves in, not opening the door for anyone. They understood the dangers and for the most part stayed quiet and out of trouble. These days it is generally not considered acceptable and isn't what's best for the child.

It's hard to say what is a good age to begin entrusting your child with the responsibility of looking after herself (if only for 30 minutes). Maturity varies amongst individuals. Children of 12 are old enough to take baby sitting courses and tend to the needs of others, so I would suggest age 10 may be okay to begin leaving a child in charge of herself after school.

Answer 3

Its against the law in most states to leave a child under 11 home alone and I would never leave a child that young at a house with no one their!!!! No exeptions!!!!! Start leaving her home alone when she's around 11 or 12, thats when I could stay home! Don't under any cercumstances leave her home alone!!! You can get a sitter or have her do an activity after school so she'll be out later! Also, how is she getting home? You better not be having her walk!

Answer 4

NO!That is way to young your child can be taken away for that by law I think you need to be about 12 or 13 to be able to stay home alone.

Answer 5

Bad idea. I was sexually molested as a second grader walking home from school. Set up a buddy system. See if she has any friends her age in the neighborhood and ask their parents if she could stay for a half-an-hour until you are able to get there

Answer 6

dont leave a child that young alone in ahouse for five minutes even. someone can call child services on you for that. that is insane. if you are asking us this question then they are to young. when you know that it is alright and feel it is alright give it a year then do it. A 2nd grader doesnt need to be home alone

Answer 7

YES!! i think thats way to young. I think when a the little girl is old enough to fight back and do some actuall harm if something was to happen. Even though 30 min isn't long it could be just long enough to change the little girls life forever.

Answer 8

I think that's too young. I think 10, 11, and 12, are ages when I'd weight the options.

Answer 9

Yes, that is too young.
It depends on the child to some extent, but I'd say 6th grade is about the earliest I would consider it most likely.
You also should find out what the LAW says in your state.

Answer 10

way to young my sons in 5Th grade I'd not allow that. Maybe a middle schooler. In fact i think it's dangerous and you could get in trouble.