At what age.......?????

Question

At what age is a child old enough to.....be left alone in the car while you run into pay a bill or run into the post office or something like that.....go into the convience store to pay for your gas for you......walk into the school by themselves? I know people answers will probably vary, but I just want an idea of what people think. I mean, there is no manual for these kinds of things.

In response to Deeeee.... I just have to wonder if you have any children. It is not about lack of caring or nurturing. I love my kids and would never do anything not in their best interest. And to say I'm lazy... obviously you have no idea about my life, because I think I am anything but. I have 2 children, a husband, 2 dogs, and a house I take care of. On top of that I own and run a resturaunt, so I don't think you are one to call me lazy. And I don't know if you realize this, but all children have to grow up and be independent at some point. I was just curious as to what age people thought that was. It was just a question, and for your comment I think you are ignorant.

I don't understand some of you people saying you wouldn 't leave a minor alone in a car. I mean, a kid is old enough to get a liscense and drive by themselves at 16. Are you going to tell me you wouldn't leave them alone in a car while you went in the store? I am a protective parent, but come on now. Some of that seems a little extreme. Yes, and I know about that boy that got kidnapped. And I mean, he was what, 12? Getting off the school bus? Yea, that stuff happens and that is the one of the scarriest things in this world, but are you going to hold their hand until they go to college. I mean, that kind of thing has happened to 16 year olds and even grown women. I mean, are you ever TRULY and completely safe.

Sorry... not trying to get defensive, but I can't believe some people's remarks. I mean, I was just wondering and people act like I commited some heinous act. My daughter is 6 and I have never left her in the car by herself. She's in kindergarten, and I walk her inside the school to her class everyday. Which means I also have to lug my 4 month old in with me. Which, I'm not complaining. If I wanted to be lazy, I wouldn't have had children, but I just wish people wouldn't act like I'm some child abuser.

Answer 1

Talk to your childs school nurse/ countsler they been really helpful to me. But it is CA law to leave a child in the car for 5 mins is 8 years old but they can't watch anyone in the car till they are 10. As far as walking to school depending how long and turns and all of that my school nurse said most kids walk to school in 2nd grade be them self. I know what you are feeling. I am going through the same thing. I just started 2 weeks ago letting my kids 9, 7, and 6 walk together for about a 1/4 of a mile striaght shot. And belive me I went over so many rules and all they probbly thought I was crazy! (I was really sick and my baby with hubby out of town and no car) But You know your child the best Look into your heart. My oldest is really responsible for her age. But belive me the first day the walk home you will be counting the mins... I even called the school to make sure they got there (call after an hour they should know who is there or not). Hope this helps good luck.

Answer 2

I don't know about your state, but here in Pennsylvania, maybe even nationwide, it is actually illegal to leave children still needing a booster seat (4 ft. 9 inches) without the presence of someone over 18 in the car or standing next to it. I guess it depends on what kind of day the cops are having whether or not they enforce it, but my friend's 6 year old got mom's keys out of her purse while in the car, turned the car on, put it in neutral and t-boned another car. It was parked and empty, thank heavens, but better safe than sorry. I'd say Kindergarten would be a good age to walk into the school alone, we all had to get off the bus and go in by ourselves, mom didn't come past the bus stop. Good luck!

Answer 3

The boys rescued a few weeks ago in Missouri? They were kidnapped at the age of 12 I believe... You can't be too careful. I would NEVER leave a child in a running vehicle...

And, no matter how inconvenient it was for me, I never left my children alone in the car. Still don't. If both my girls are with me, I'll leave them in the car together... or one, with a friend. But the doors are locked, and they're older teenagers... so old enough to know NOT to get out of the car or unlock the doors under any circumstances.

Is it a pain to have to drag them out with you wherever you go? Yes, it is. I was a single mom with three little ones... when one got sick and I had to make a midnight run to the drug store, I had to wake the other two, bundle them up, drive to the store, then hustle them back home, and back to bed.

But they're safe and healthy. That's worth any price.

Answer 4

You asked for feedback. Don't get so defensive. You can't ask and then yell at people. If there is no manual, and peoples answers will vary...then let them.
Leaving a child in a car by there self. You know your children best. I think we all have a gut feeling that we have to go with. It also depends where you are and what you are doing. Its rewarding for kids to do things on there own, I agree with you on that! My daughter is only 2. So its hard saying. I would think by 8, some things would be okay.

Answer 5

Not until at least 12. There is absolutely no reason to leave a child alone - absolutely none. And there is a manual for this - common sense and a fear for something to happen unexpectedly to your child. Anything can happen to a child left alone in the car. It's worth the hassle to get a baby out of a carseat, even if he is sleeping and you are having to deal with a crying kid --- anything is better than putting a child at risk.
Parents, especially moms, can be extremely delusional when they think they are going to "run in" somewhere for "only a minute". That minute could spell disaster. ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry, however much that inconveniences you.

Answer 6

I would say 12-14..or high school age...remember, there are preverts out there..and them wanting to act grown up and pay or stay in the car out of convience is not worth the price of you having to wonder what the prevert is doing to your child much less what the kid could go through...I am not tring to scare you, but I have a daughter (16 mths)and before she was even born or even now when I see older kids 5-10 out playing in the street, and I know they dont live here or they are visiting the neighbors kid, I cant not understand why no parents are around or near by...

Answer 7

I say about 8 to stay in the car. It depend on lots of things though. Like can you lock the car, are you in a large city. I think about the same age to walk to school as long as they are not going alone. Walk with a friend and have a route that they always take.

Answer 8

It's against the law in most states to leave a minor child in the car without an adult. I believe that 14 is OK myself but that's the youngest I would go.

Answer 9

that is up to you and your child ask them if its OK for you to run into the gas station to pay for the gas if they are scared don't do it

you and your child will work it out and i understand when you have allot to do and lil time to do it my first child i never left alone she didn't walk to school alone till 3rd grade we lived a block from her school leaving them in there car for no longer than 3 min is OK after 4 years old if they understand you will be right back and not to touch anything and you lock the car and the car is always in your sight if your drooping your child off at school then let them out of the car and walk in them selves if walking to school i suggest not till 3rd or 4th grade you can start by walkin 1/2 a block behind them with out them knowing so you can see what they so and that they are safe work up to it dont secon guess yourself your a good mom just look at your kids and you will know you do your best for them its all you can do

Answer 10

I personally would never leave a child alone in a car, regardless of age, anyone could jump in the car and steal it. When they are 10 I think thats a good age to let them go in and pay your gas for you, and walk to school by themselves, but as parents we are always going to protect our children, if your child has to walk to school, make them walk with a friend. Its better to buddy up.