Ask:
My dds' are 12.5, almost 10 and almost 7.
My mil has always watched them but her mother is ill and she is often unable.
In looking for summer camps we are realizing the oldest is too old. I'm overprotective and paranoid so leaving the 12yr old alone is frightening enough but with her two siblings makes me feel :hurl: just thinking of it.
However she is at the same age that others in her class are starting to babysit.
Would it make sense to put the yonger two in daycare/camp and leave the oldest home alone?
Answer:
Well...how long is she going to be alone? All day long? What will she do home alone all day...?
I don't know that I would personally do that...but that's me.
Answer:
I think it depends on how long they will be left alone and how mature are they. If it is for a short amount of time than it might not be bad. I would make up rules that have to be followed. Example: The oldest one would have to call you as soon as they got home, only have the snacks you have ready (hopefully to avoid eating too many sweets) and than something like do homework or find them a chore to get done before you get home. Just to keep them busy. OH! and tell them that the front door must be locked as soon as they are in the house AND is not to be unlocked for anything. No friends over.
Answer:
I'm talking about over the summer so it would be all day long. Nine hours a day five days a week. It seems like too much to me. The local day camps only go through age 11 though. I just think 40+ hours a week is too much.
Answer:
Quote:
Originally Posted by kamsmommy
I just think 40+ hours a week is too much.
I agree...
Answer:
My son is almost 13 and I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving him alone all day. He is young for almost 13. Every child is different. I felt more comfortable leaving my daughter home at that age than I do my son. It would be scary thinking he was trying to use the stove or a sharp knife by himself ! Some kids would be fine though. My niece babysat my children when she was only 12 and I felt quite comfortable, she was used to caring for herself because he parents worked. I am just starting to leave my son home alone for a few hours at a time. I definitely think all day would be to long. Do you know anyone in the neighbourhood who she could stay with...even for part of the day?