artgecko said:
I'm posting this because I got a call this morning from my mother in law (where my son is staying for the month of June) and she wanted to know if it was ok if she left him alone for an hour or two. He's NINE! I told her no, but now I'm wondering if I might have been over reacting. She lives in the middle of the country, but it still just seems to me that he's too young!!! Anyone have any words of wisdom for me???

Heidi said:
9 does seem young. But I also think it depends on their personality, "responsibility level" and how well you trust them to be alone.

xy mom said:
Everyone's different. I don't think 9 is too young to leave alone, but it depends on the maturity of the child IMO. In fact most states have laws regarding when kids can be left alone and for how long and whom they can be with. I remember walking to the store by myself all the time. How times have changed. Everything is so dangerous now...or at least has the appearance of danger. That woman who was arrested for leaving her sleeping child in the car while she stood at the front of the store with her older daughter was too much.

artgecko said:
Thanks all! I think if it was at home, kidlet would be fine for *maybe* 1/2 hour or so. I have epilepsy, and kidlet is well trained in emergency situations. When he was 5 he called for an ambulance when I had a concussion and major seizure afterwards. But, he is away from home, and he doesn't know any of the emergency numbers there (they don't have 911 in their area, its a local number that has to be called) And, since he doesn't know my Mother in Laws cell # by heart (like he does ours) I feel much safer waiting a few more years when he's visiting any family! Again, thanks for all the input :)

Riviera said:
Legally, in Canada, you can leave a 10 year old home alone for up to 3 hours. When they're 12 they can stay home alone for however long they want to.