GainesvilleMoms.com

Well, it's summer time and that means no school for many kids (and working parents.) I remember when I was a kid, we always stayed home during the summer and fended for ourselves. Since my husband is a SAHD, we haven't had to really even think about this. But, what about you guys? When do you think kids are old enough to stay home by themselves?

I think it depends on the child. My BFF as a pre-teen child had two working parents and I would go to her house to keep her company all day in the summer while her parents worked. This started when we were both 12. The most harmful thing that we got into was we became totally addicted to the soaps. Other than that, we talked on the phone w/ friends, cleaned the house and had dinner ready when her parets came home. Her mom would check in on us during the day and would always bring us home a small treat for being good (Teen Beat magazines, new hair accessories etc). We had a great time and I still look back at those times w/ great fondness. Again, I think it depends on the kids, I know some 14-18 yr olds that may not be up for this task yet!

yeah...in the old days we had it made. Unfortunately so much has changed with our society that personally i would not take a risk to do it.

there are to many peeping toms and to many bad guys out there that I would not want to risk my children, if i had younger children.

I'm sure there are many who have children who may be mature for their ages...fine. But still their choices and judgment may not be so wise to answering the door or answering the phone...etc...

To bad we still don't live in those old days where we can run around ...go to the pool...go to the beach...go to the library.

ok...now I'm ready for an icee!

Yeah, back when I was a whipper-snapper, my working parents left me home during summers with younger brother starting around age 11 or 12. We went to camp for two weeks in summer, on a vacay to the beach for one week, and the rest of the time, other than morning swimming/diving lessons, we were left to our own devices. But, that was a loooooong time ago. Before cell phones, before internet, before teens were driving their own beemer's at 16, when the worst drug on the street (at least in my community at that time) was pot.

Now, my babies are still just babies. And while I have every intention of raising them right, to understand consequences and repercussions, to know good choices from bad choices, I am not oblivious to the power of peer pressure and when mine are bigger, I plan to keep them busy, busy, busy. School, musci, sports, church, charity work. The whole "idle hands are the devils workshop" thing, ya know. Better safe than sorry.

Yeah, the good ole' days....have we really improved with all our "improvements"? Tough question.

Yeah, I was left at home, too, growing up. If I ever did that with my older kids, (when they get that age) I think my biggest concern would be the internet, which is why I would probably have parental controls in place. You're right, it's just not the same world that we grew up in. There's a country song out about that. Anyone know the name of it? It's more recent.

I know I am younger than most here, but I was also left alone at pre-teen ages and goofed off around the house (phone, reading, random activites, tv) sometimes I would walk to the store at the corner for some Jolt and candy bars. Nothing major, but good times. Then again I grew up in the only large town/city in Vermont LOL (no we aren't all cow pushers).

but you are all right that there are different precautions now days and it depends on the child. I am comfortable with the fact that the kids will make their mistakes, have their experiences but I sure as heck will do as some other said and prepare them with confidence, knowledge and keep them BUSY BUSY BUSY.

I am known for my randomness keeping the kidies focused on a project. LOL I am thinking I will dedicate a room in the house to painting...like once a week they can put plastic down, get out all the paint and paint whatever they want on the walls (long time idea of mine)... like a play room but dedicated to art, most likely built in shelves and desks in that room, at least 2 windows...large bay windows. But hey, that's just me.

So if anyone needs ideas let me know LOL (how about the back of the house where no one can see, let em go to town but have extra house-colored paint ready ha ha ha) or even the fence inside the yard.

Ok I'll stop now.

I guess I'm in the minority here. My parents didn't let my brother and I stay alone until we were a little older -- like 13 or 14. During those in between year, they had an older teen down the street come hang out with us. We grew up together, so it really never felt like she was our "babysitter." Thinking back, I think if she hadn't been there, I probably would have done some stupid things.