Is it ok???

Question

Is it ok for a 9 yr old girl (who's maturity level is 12-13, (raised with 1 brother who is now 20) to walk home from school (2 blocks, school on same street as home), call mom (at work) on her cell to let her know she got in ok (girl has key), then do homework, tv, etc til mom gets home a 2 hrs later? It was commonly known as a latchkey kid back in the days & was very commonly done with no hesitation from the parent but what about now? Is it ok? Added detail: Home is in a usually safe neighborhood.

Answer 1

There was a time when one rarely heard of a kidnapping or rape, or even of families breaking up. The world has changed.
It is a good neighborhood. It only takes ten minutes for her to walk home - it is probably OK. So think of your most valuable material possessions - all your savings, your total money flow - title to your house and your car, etc. Take all of it, and put it out on that good street for just ten minutes, for any thief who might come along to grab and take away forever. It probably won't happen, but now put it all out there five days a week for just ten minutes a day - for the wrong person who may turn onto that street by mistake or happenstance, to scoop up and take away forever. It probably won't happen, it's probably OK, but what is at risk ...and why are you asking??

Answer 2

Back then the world was a safer place and crime against children wasn't as common as it is today. Whether this child lives in a safe neighborhood or not and only has a short walk from school to home it virtually means nothing. After awhile some sicko could notice that this girl has no one tending to her and take advantage. Never mind the fact that she could be hit by a vehicle or have an accident at home with no ability to call for help. This is all too much for a 9 year old to deal with....even if she truly has a maturity level of a 12/13 year old.

I would also like to add that if child protective services were notified about this they would be doing an investigation.

Answer 3

In the eyes of the law, a child must be 12 before being left alone without supervision. No matter how mature that child maybe, if she is found to be home alone, she can be taken from the parents and placed in alternative care should the parenting at her house be found to be inadiquate. Not to mention the parent can be charged with abandoning the child and child endangerment.
A month ago, there was a 8 year old girl who was on her way home from school about 3 blocks from her house when she was stopped by man who was looking for his lost dog. The girl was never seen again and since then, numerous other girls have come forward saying the same man approached them with the lost dog story.
Dont let this be your kid.
Can she stay with a friend... or is it possible to hire an older student to stay with this kid until the parent is able to return home. There may be an older lady on the street who would love the job of watching this child and helping out with homework should it be needed. And it might be cheaper to compensate that with doing groceries or errands for this woman then in actual cash

Answer 4

What "was" and what "is" are completely different - the world has gotten a lot tougher.
No, I wouldn't let my 9 year old go home from school by herself no matter how mature she is. The fact that the school is on the same street, it would be real easy for some sicko to figure out where you live. What would you do if you let yourself into the house and someone unwanted was already there waiting for you? If there was someone else (a responsible or slightly older friend) your parents were okay with coming home with you for a few hours to study, that might be different. It isn't at all a matter of maturity or doubt that you are responsible - it's all about your parents wanting to protect you and keep you safe. Sorry, but it's pretty scary out there. Just watch the news any night of the week.

Answer 5

It's illegal now for a child under the age of 13 to left home alone. Too many accidents have been happening with normally responsible kids. Can she walk with a friend? There's safety in numbers. I'd hate for something to happen to her so close to home. She sounds like a good kid. It's such a short period of time. Can a neighbor watch to make sure she gets home ok? She can check the house and come back out to let the neighbor know everything is ok. That way someone knows that she's there in case of a power outtage, or other normal mishap. She'll also have a safe haven if there's any trouble. Make sure she knows that NO ONE including the neighbor comes in.

Answer 6

Its not ok. Legally and safety, not ok. Anything can happen, and better safe than sorry. Usually safe? Could change... Dont chance it!! Do something different or find a reliable after school high school sitter that will go home with her til one of the parents come home. Most states under 14 is not ok anyway!

Answer 7

There is no such thing as a safe neighborhood. Is there some reason why she can't walk with someone who lives close, or you can do what I did and pay a small amount for a stay at home mom or retired woman to walk her home and even her watch her until you get home.

Answer 8

Only if you walk home will other kids. It is bad out there on the streets. Someone might try to pick you up. My daughter wanted to walk home too but I didn't let her because if something would of happened to her I wouldn't forgive myself. I let her walk home from school when she was in the 6th grade and with other kids. The kids together the better.

Answer 9

My nine-yr-old gets off the school bus, walks 1 1/2 blks to our house, lets himself in, calls to let me know he is there, has a snack, does homework and waits for me to get home at 6 p.m. If he doesn't call me within 10 minutes of the time I know he should be home, I call my neighbor, who is home with her new baby. I also have an extra key at this neighbors house incase he has forgotten his key.

Answer 10

Well, it is of course, your opinion weather it is ok or not. But in my opinion I would try to find someone who you trust to walk her home. Even if the house is in plain sight it still gives chance for someone to kidnap her. I am very paranoid about this and hate it when my little brother (6, almost 7) Plays outside, even with his friends due to this paranoia. As for doing her homework and watching T.V. in the house alone, it is fine if she is mature, even if the loneliness with bite. I am probably making you hate me due to this but this is my opinion and it will not change. Best of luck to you.