Reply to Are older parents more relaxed about leaving kids home alone in 2025?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am a young-average age parent (37 with a 9yo) and allow my oldest to stay home for short periods. My kids have been able to attend drop off playdates since around 5-7 (dependent on each kid and how well we know the family).

In my experience there’s no correlation between parental age and their anxiety about leaving their child. I know an older mom with an only who over time has become the only parent who stays for parties or play dates that are clearly supposed to be drop-off. I try not to judge, as I don’t know what life experiences may have led this mom to be so cautious, but it’s also led me to not invite this girl over.

OP, I gently suggest you consider where your anxiety comes from and try to work through it. The world is not less safe than it was when we were kids, we just hear about every horrible thing these days due to internet and social media. Of course it’s normal to remember the mistakes we made when we were young, and times that something could have gone really wrong. It is NECESSARY to experience those moments of growth, though, in order to not end up with an anxiety disorder. [/quote]

I am also 37 and have a 10 yr old (starting 5th grade) and 7 year old.  I also allow drop-off playdates (we don't do sleepovers though) and my 10 year old is allowed to stay home alone for short periods of time during the day (30 min -1.5 hours).  We live in a quiet, safe neighborhood and have positive relationships with all of our neighbors.  He knows not to open the door for strangers, we have doorbell cameras, he has access to a phone for emergencies, and knows who he can run to in case of an emergency (any of our neighbors).  He does NOT stay home alone with his younger bro and we also don't let him stay home alone during transitions (e.g. if he was going to take the school bus in the morning or come home in the afternoon).  He's not responsible enough to handle getting himself on the bus alone (we might try it later on this year with support from a neighbor).  My husband also works .5 mile away from home and I'm less than 10 min away.

I personally struggle with a lot of anxiety, and taking medication and participating in therapy has been really helpful.  That might be something to explore with your doctor.  Living in an anxious state is an awful feeling, and sometimes we don't always realize that is what is impacting us.  [/quote]

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