Since RTO, we have had to switch our rising 6th grader to latchkey - he rides the bus so no walking but about 2.5 hours alone.

To make the adjustment, we did some changes - added a Ring to the side door entrance. Added a digital lock (no key to forget! and we can lock remotely if he forgets) and his dad put an apple tag in his backpack.

He has to check in when he gets in. No cooking allowed - microwave is allowed so we have a leftover container if he gets hungry while waiting on us. No outside allowed except for backyard (enclosed with existing Ring). No guests.

If I'm being honest, I wanted it sooner but his dad was opposed. Son is happier, feels a bit more independent and everything has worked out well for us.

Sign her up for stuff after school as much as possible.

Anonymous wrote:We live in a rural-ish area, so no other homes nearby or neighborhood kids, and my kids each came home on the bus, walked a bit of a distance to our empty house, and let themselves in.

My kids go to our in bounds DCPS school so I guess we are lucky that we don’t have to deal with activity buses. Their middle school has a ton of afterschool activities. There are sports but for the kids that don’t want to do sports there are various book clubs theater clubs, robotics clubs etc. my daughter is starting middle school next year, but my son has had sports or theater after school for much of the year so when he does get home, it is closer to the end of the workday so he doesn’t have as many hours just to sit around. Besides the logistical benefits of doing something after school, I think it is a good way for them to meet new friends etc. Also for our back door, we got one of those keypad locks so we don’t need to worry about losing keys. They just know the passcode and can let themselves in if I’m not home.

To answer your direct question though I don’t think sixth grade is too young to sit home for any safety reason. My concern would be they would turn on screens and not do anything productive for that many hours.

We live in a rural-ish area, so no other homes nearby or neighborhood kids, and my kids each came home on the bus, walked a bit of a distance to our empty house, and let themselves in.

I think she’ll be fine. The 6th graders in my neighborhood have been walking home and staying home alone until their parents come home. I actually stayed home alone in 3rd, older sibling was supposed to get me off the bus and watch me but would always leave. I wouldn’t allow it in elementary for my kids but I think 6th grade is fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No way!

To those saying no, what do you propose? Do you even have tweens? Or just toddlers?

I have a 6th grader. I would allow her to stay home for 2 hours but not walk home alone

Yes my 6th grader will come home after school. We'll shift work a little earlier so that we can be home a bit earlier, so it will be more like 2 hours, not 3.

I'll also be signing her up for afterschool activities as much as possible. And we'll make sure she gets some friend time after school too, going home with friends or having one come home with her.

That would have been fine for our kids when they were that age. If you have concerns about how your kid would handle it maybe try a trial run and see how it goes?

Anonymous wrote:No way!

To those saying no, what do you propose? Do you even have tweens? Or just toddlers?

No way!

I get your discomfort OP but it’s true that in this area most middle schoolers just come home.

Are you and DH reachable by phone at work? Would feel better if she called you when she got home? Just be prepared that she will probably spend most of the time watching Netflix and YouTube if she has those options.

Anonymous wrote:3 hours is a long time 1 hour maybe but 3? No.

Omg tons of kids have done this for years at that age. If you have a rule-follower kid it’s no biggie at all.

I'd try to get her to do a daily activity, like cross country, so she isnt home by herself for so long every day.

Staying home alone is fine. Mine does it. Our biggest concern was her walking home alone. If her walk is populated I wouldn't hesitate at all. We have a ring doorbell so always know when she has gotten home without making her call us each day.

Anonymous wrote:3 hours is a long time 1 hour maybe but 3? No.