latchkey for 30 minutes?

[Anonymous]

How old do you think is ok to be a latchkey children after school for just 30 minutes, two afternoons per week?

I am trying to make my new work schedule work and the best I can come up with is that scenario. I'm only part time and so paying for full aftercare just isn't affordable. Many days the school bus runs late so the children might only be home for about 15-20 minutes or so, but they would need to walk home form the bus stop (about 3 blocks from our house); let themselves in; and get a snack or hang out before starting HW. AM trying to decide if I need to find a sitter for just those two afternoons and if it is even likely that someone would want such a job.

What is the minimum age you would consider such a scenario? What about if the time alone were one hour, not 30 minutes? That's my other possibility -- 1 hour, 1 X per week.

[Anonymous]

5th grade

[Anonymous]

In Va. your child has to be 7 to be left alone. I would do it for the amount of time you are talking about for 8.5 yr. old IF the child was o.k. being alone.

To the PP, maybe think about cutting the apron strings a little? You seriously wouldn't let your child manage him/herself until 5th grade? They are more capable than you think.

OP, I'm assuming you live in a safe, suburban neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

I agree 5th grade for most kids but you have to know your kid. My 5th grader wouldn't be able to do it. Two kids 10 and 12 year olds should be able to handle it together.

[Anonymous]

Is there an older neighborhood kid, maybe in high school, who might be interested in meeting them at the bus stop and walking them home and watching them on those days? That plus an extra hour or so for pocket money?

[Anonymous]

It isn't just the age - it is about how responsible and independent the kids are. I have a 9 yr old going into 4th grade and I wouldn't hesitate to have her be a latchkey kid for 30 minutes. She has frequently stayed at home alone for an hour or two and manages just fine.

My son is almost 8 and I imagine it will be years before I can leave him, even with his older more mature sister. He is impulsive, easily distracted and in his own little world and I have no faith he would manage on his own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Va. your child has to be 7 to be left alone. I would do it for the amount of time you are talking about for 8.5 yr. old IF the child was o.k. being alone.

To the PP, maybe think about cutting the apron strings a little? You seriously wouldn't let your child manage him/herself until 5th grade? They are more capable than you think.

OP, I'm assuming you live in a safe, suburban neighborhood.

22:23 here. I taught 4th grade for 14 years. My son will be starting 6th grade in 2 weeks. So actually I'm quite familiar with their capabilities. And I'm quite aware that kids have varying levels of maturity. Without knowing the OP's specifics about her own kid, i suggested fifth grade because that's the grade where I could see over 90 percent of kids being fine.

Save your snark for another forum.

[Anonymous]

I felt comfortable leaving my daughter home alone (occasionally, not every day) from about age 7.5, but only because I am friendly with several of my neighbors and she knew that she could always knock on somebody's door if she had a problem. If this were not the case I would probably wait until she was at least 9. Also I would be more worried leaving two kids than one, even if they were a bit older -- it feels like there is a greater likelihood they will get up to some kind of mischief, break something, set the house on fire, etc.

[Anonymous]

My kids are younger so can't answer your specific question, but you could sign both kids up for an activity one day a week after school, like mad science or sports, and then opt for the one hour/one day/week schedule. I realize there will be in between times when the activity is not held but most weeks you'd avoid the issue.

[Anonymous]

9 or 4th grade.

[Anonymous]

I guess I'm conservative here. I'd say out of elementary school- 6th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids are younger so can't answer your specific question, but you could sign both kids up for an activity one day a week after school, like mad science or sports, and then opt for the one hour/one day/week schedule. I realize there will be in between times when the activity is not held but most weeks you'd avoid the issue.

Thanks OP! I had not thought of that, but there is a chance that school might have some kind of after school clubs this year! Good idea!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Va. your child has to be 7 to be left alone. I would do it for the amount of time you are talking about for 8.5 yr. old IF the child was o.k. being alone.

To the PP, maybe think about cutting the apron strings a little? You seriously wouldn't let your child manage him/herself until 5th grade? They are more capable than you think.

OP, I'm assuming you live in a safe, suburban neighborhood.

Perhaps you should go back and read the post. It isn't just about leaving kids home alone, its about leaving them to go home alone, something a bit different. An 8 year-old? Sure, home alone for half an hour while you run and errand but not coming home alone by himself on a regular basis.

No need for the nastiness -- you appear to be in the minority on this one anyway.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- yes, that's the issue. I feel there is a huge difference between leaving your children happily playing or reading at home, for half an hour, versus having them walk home alone from the bus stop several blocks away, and coming home to an empty house.

[Anonymous]

At my son's elementary school, there is a bus that picks some kids up and takes them to a local aftercare facility. You can sign up for just 2 days a week. Maybe your school has something like this as well?