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I was a latchkey kid starting in 3rd grade. My sister was in junior high school with a different schedule plus a bus ride home vs. walking a few blocks. So at that point, I was along for almost 2 hours each day before she got home and I was fine with that. But my son isn't the same kid I was, and he would not have been comfortable being home on his own for even 5 minutes at that age, never mind 2 hours. He wasn't ready until he was almost out of elementary school, but now, at 13 and a year away from high school, he's ok staying home for the day if he doesn't have a camp day and I'm at work. I wouldn't leave him overnight yet though, probably not for at least a couple more years and honestly, I don't realistically see doing it at all. I don't travel for work, and as a single parent, I'm not going to go on a vacation and leave him home!
My 2 older children ages 13 & 10 have been staying by themselves for around 2 years. I started leaving them in small increments, 30 minutes to an hour. Currently, they are home while I work 8-4. I taught my kids very early about real life skills. They know how to cook, and clean up after themselves. I do set rules while I'm away. They are under no circumstances allowed to leave the house. The doors must remain locked. I told them that if someone doesn't have a key to this house, they do not need to enter it for any reason. If they cook, they have to use the griddle pan, and not the stove. They like to make grilled cheese, pancakes, or eggs. I'll add to the fact that I made sure they were completely 100% comfortable staying without an adult, and they are. I think it really depends on the children though. My children are very mature, and adhere to rules well. It's usually a win-win situation when they're busy in the house playing they're favorite games, or doing crafts or whatnot, and they don't want to go to the grocery store with you.
9, for both of my two older kids, who are now 10 and 12.
That happens to coincide with the state law here, but I considered the law a minimum.
I think anything from 8 - 11 is a gray area and depends upon the maturity of the child in question, as well as the neighborhood.
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