I need advice, please,not bashing.

[artistmom889]

If a 10-year-old kid is capable of making her own snack, not answering the door, and only answering the phone if caller ID says "Mom", should I panic if I'm not home  right when she gets homefrom school?

edit

Thanks ladies.great advice and to clarify:

1 the situation is that the dh and I usually are both home pretty close to when she gets home, we see to that,  I get nervous about traffic jams , car ttrouble,or other unforeseen delays.

2 our cell numbers and 911 are clearly noted on a bulletin board above the home phone.

3 we have a wonderful neighbor who she can run over to if she has to..

4. I'm not talking about more than an hour or two

[jaelynntanamom]

No as long as she knows what to do and not to do I wouldn't worry. I'm not always there right when my nine year old gets home but I get there shortly after.

[natesmom1228]

I don't think that would be so bad. How long would she be alone?

[auroragold]

I wouldn't "panic" necessarily.

How long is she home alone?

Do you have trustworthy neighbors that she can call on in case of emergency?

[Cindy18]

 Panic is not necessary. I would make sure she knows the days you won't be there so she doesn't panic.

Make sure you review the rules. Make sure she had access to a phone for emergencies. And she should be OK, as long as she is comfortable with being home alone.

[wakymom]

She should be fine. Just review the rules in the morning on the days you won't be there. I still remind my oldest (12 1/2) of the rules when he's going to be left alone for a little bit- I get an "I know" w/ an eye roll b/c he does know all that, but I feel better reminding him : ) 

 

 

 

 

 

[jen113000]

As long as she knows how to call for help if something were to happen I don't see an issue with not being there right away. Make sure she knows the rules and what she's allowed to do/shouldn't do. 

[auntangelofsix]

no as long as she knows the rules.

[vermontmoms]

I wouldn't worry/panic but I would chk your state laws. Here they have to be 12 before they can be left alone. You wouldn't want to get in trouble with the law if something did happen or if someone found out.

[mjimaging]

My daughter stayed home at 10. She's very mature though.

[JustaSM231]

This. Check your state laws.  If something does happen while she's home alone, you don't want to get into trouble.  I wouldn't worry if she isn't going to be home alone for long, but definitely not overnight.

Quoting vermontmoms:

I wouldn't worry/panic but I would chk your state laws. Here they have to be 12 before they can be left alone. You wouldn't want to get in trouble with the law if something did happen or if someone found out.