at what age (parents, girls, appropriate, child)

[somebodynew]

Would you say it is safe and appropriate for a kid to go home by themselves after school?

[JustJulia]

It depends on the kid, the distance, and the neighborhood, but generally I would say third or fourth grade.

[crankywithakeyboard]

Agree with the previous poster. Depends on the maturity of the kid, the safety of your neighborhood, etc. I would probably let mine do it fourth or fifth grade as he's a little immature for his age, I believe. We also live right across the street from the school. I do see lots of kids who are about 3rd-5th grade (younger if they have an older sibling) walking home. I'm assuming their parents are working as stay at home moms are rare here.

I've seen kids walking in groups that are younger, like 2nd grade.

[randomparent]

I was comfortable with my kids making their own way back and forth to school beginning in third grade. We live approximately three-quarters of a mile from the neighborhood elementary school.

[somebodynew]

I may have been unclear. I don't mean at what age can they transport themselves from the school to home, but at about what age would you feel comfortable allowing them to be home by themselves after school.

[randomparent]

Originally Posted by somebodynew

I may have been unclear. I don't mean at what age can they transport themselves from the school to home, but at about what age would you feel comfortable allowing them to be home by themselves after school.

In that case, beginning in middle school, which is sixth grade for our district.

[Zimbochick]

Here is some useful information on the subject:

Leaving Your Child Home Alone

[no kudzu]

now this is a completely different scenario. There have been about 3 times this whole past year where I told my girls to let themselves in when they walk home from school and I will be right there. And then I was behind them only 10-20 minutes. I would never do it regularly until they were in middle school and even then I would be a nervous wreck.

[somebodynew]

Thanks all.

[JustJulia]

Originally Posted by randomparent

In that case, beginning in middle school, which is sixth grade for our district.

Sounds about right--I was going to say 12 or thereabouts.

Edited: Glad I checked Zimbo's link. The minimum age appears to be 14 here in Illinois. My younger two aren't old enough to be left alone, so I wasn't aware.