is she old enough?

Question

my 8 year old DD Kari has summer school for the next 3 weeks from 8am to 11 am, and my 9 year old DD Cassie does not, the school is 6 blocks away, to go there, drop her off and come home takes 10 to 15 minutes, I do not drive so my mom is taking Kari to and from school, she will be gone Wensday and Thursday so my cousin will be bringing her in and back those days, my mom said I should go with Wensday morning to show him where to drop Kari off, I hate to have to wake Cassie up that early just for a 10 minute ride, is she old enough to stay home for that short time?

Answer 1

You already know the answer to your question. Yes, you have to wake Cassie up and take her with you. I will not get into the "what ifs". Just do the right and smart thing.

Answer 2

Personally, I would wake her up and take her but that's just me. Here are some other things to consider if you do end up leaving her home. First, does she know how to use the phone if she needed to call you or anyone else? Are there neighbors close by that she could go to in an emergency and if so, would they be made aware of the situation just in case they're needed? Is she responsible? Would being alone for a few minutes frighten her? These are all things that I would take into consideration if I were in a similar situation. At some point, all parents go through wondering if their kids are old enough to stay home! I started leaving my older kids alone when they were 11 and 7 but only for short periods. A good rule of thumb, whenever in doubt, go with your gut feeling! It's usually right on the money.

Answer 3

No, you should absolutely not leave her alone. The parents of the little girl from the UK were right nearby, and now their daughter is missing. A 9 yr old is not old enough to be able to handle any emergency that might arise. If, as another poster is assuming, DD means developmentally delayed, then that is all the more reason to take her with you. She can go to bed a little earlier the night before so she won't be so tired in the AM. Get her up and out with the rest of the family. She can stay in her p.j.s and go back to bed when she gets back home.

You are responsible for her as her parent, and you need to do the right thing...which is not always the easiest thing.

Answer 4

If your daughter is mature and responsible for her age I would say yes. Just tell her that if she wakes in the morning and your not there...to not panic and that you will be home in a few minutes. Just make sure she knows the basics...lock the door, don't answer the phone, don't use the stove, etc. If she feels comfortable and confident about it, than I don't think it's that big of a deal. Even if you break down on the road, you could make it back in a short amount of time running.just tell her that if for any reason she awakes and your not there, to turn on the T.V....

Answer 5

I am assuming that DD means developmentally delayed.
I have a son who is developmentally delayed and I am sorry I wouldn't have left him alone at 9 years old.He just wasn't trustworthy enough and was far to naive.
What if someone saw you go and rang your doorbell and Cassie answered it?
I say wake up Cassie or have someone sit with her during the time you will be gone.
You would never forgive yourself if something were to happen to her and you know that even though she may be 9 years old chronologically she isn't that age mentally or she wouldn't be considered developmentally delayed!!

Answer 6

If Cassie is comfortable with staying alone for a few minutes, I think you could leave her for that short right, since she is nine years old. Be sure to lock the door when you leave the house, if she is still sleeping. Also, don't tell anyone else that you're leaving her alone.

Answer 7

NO. Children must be over 10 in most states to be left alone. Besides what happens if your 10 minutes turned into a ride to the ER because of an unexpected Accident. Dont be stupid, Wake her up.

Answer 8

No she is not old enough. Legally, you can't leave a child that age home alone. Just put her in the car in her pajamas and then put her back to bed when you get back home. If she can't go back to sleep, then let her watch tv and lay on the couch under a blanket. That way she may be awake, but still resting.

Answer 9

Hard to say. I was left home alone when I was 9 but that was because of exstenuating circumstances. I had a mother that just passed on and a small farm that dad ran. I was the cooker, cleaner, wood stacker and animal feeder/stall cleaner. I had to grow up fast. I dont know what to say but she shouldnt be left home yet.

Answer 10

I think that your daughter is really old enough, my sisters for example were her age when she was taking care of us. Let your daughter step up to the plate and be herself but not too much of herself............you can also keep her occupied during the ride, make her feel comfortable in the situation so she doesn't have to complain or do anything else besides enjoying the ride with you or your family member. I WISH YOU LUCK.

A.Rom.