Just curious - what age do you NOT need after care, etc.?

[Anonymous]

I have a toddler so the short answer for me is, no time soon, but all these posts about back up care for snow days, etc. got me thinking way ahead....when do kids not do after school programs etc.? I know they are popular all through elementary school and some one posted that their kid's program takes kids through age 12, so is there after care for middle schoolers? Or is age 12 okay to stay home for a bit?

Hard to tell what work will be like when my child is in middle school, but right now we have a lot of flexibility and not long hours. I assume we could be home by 4 or 5. Where does that leave a middle schooler? When I was in middle school I also had sports practice after school in the fall and spring. Do kids just do activities with their school? Or is there formal care? And when does it end? Certainly by age 14 a child could stay home for an hour or so right?

But maybe times have changed and I'm wrong...curious what people do.

[Anonymous]

So much depends on the personality of the kid and the resources you have available. I am aware of aftercare in my area through middle school. My oldest starts middle school next year and I am planning on signing him up for aftercare. But I don't know how long after that I will use aftercare. If he is mature enough and interested in going home by himself, then I will probably let him.

As far as afterschool activities, transportation is the major problem for working parents. If it is a school activity, then often the school will provide transportation. But, if it's a non-school activity on school property, you are on your own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So much depends on the personality of the kid and the resources you have available. I am aware of aftercare in my area through middle school. My oldest starts middle school next year and I am planning on signing him up for aftercare. But I don't know how long after that I will use aftercare. If he is mature enough and interested in going home by himself, then I will probably let him.

As far as afterschool activities, transportation is the major problem for working parents. If it is a school activity, then often the school will provide transportation. But, if it's a non-school activity on school property, you are on your own.

Wow. Good to know. Times have DEFINITELY changed. I knew kids in my elementary school who went to after care and I remember buses to pick them up, but there was definitely nothing like it in middle school.

It kind of makes you wonder...when do kids learn independence?

BTW, I'm not against after care in middle school. Who knows how I will feel by then. I have a daughter and I wouldn't want her home alone for that long I'm sure - just, times have changed!

[Anonymous]

Our middle school has "activities" instead of after-care, Tues - Thurs.

The thing is, when the get old enough to stop, which probably is 6th grade, but not every day I think and not for too long, that's the age they are getting into other stuff...

I think too much time alone at the middle school age is not a good thing. I would try to schedule an activity or a tutor for your child at this age.

[Anonymous]

By 12 I was babysitting for a neighbor's kids. She was a WAHM, so she was home while I watched the kids in case I needed an adult.

By age 14, I was definitely babysitting entirely on my own.

I rode the bus home in the afternoon, had a key to the house, and was just fine fending for myself. My next door neighbor was usually home if I needed someone, but my parents taught me not to answer the door, and not to tell people on the phone that my parents weren't home.

I know it varies depending on the area....I grew up in a very family friendly neighborhood where everyone knew everyone.

[Anonymous]

In 3rd grade (age 8) I brought a key to school and got myself home. I was alone for an hour after school before my mom got home. I made a snack and watched tv or whatever. We had neighbors I could count on if needed. It was no big deal.

[Anonymous]

PP here - age 8.