what is the right age?

[zjonzie]

to leave your child home while you run to the store?  to leave in the car (ya not in hot weather and with the windows rolled down)?  my son isnt ready at 10 but i am not sure what age is appropriate.  i know many kids are more mature at different ages than others but i am curious to what everyone else suggests.

[mscottsmom]

I know the first time that my mom left me at home alone to run to the store, I was in 4th grade, so I was either 9 or 10.  I remember I went and hid under my bed.  LOL, I guess that I wasn't ready. 

[isaacs_wifey]

I wouldnt leave my son home alone until he gets in high school, as for leaving him in the car, i wouldnt do that, whats the point in taking your kids with you somewhere and have them sit in the car?  i wouldnt want to sit in a car by myself so im sure he wouldnt want to either

[BEXi]

Depends on the maturity of the child.. I think 9-10 though is an okay age to be left alone for an hour or so...

[Greenstone920]

It's hard to say.  Standards are so much different these days.  I was a latchkey kid when I was 7.  The store was literally right around the corner, and my mom would let me go by myself to the store.   But that was 20 years ago.   I guess it depends on the maturity level of the child. 

[danahake]

I DONT PLAN TOO AT ANY AGE THEY ALL ARE CAPABLE OF MAKING BAD CHOICES.. WE WERE LEFT ALONE GROWING UP FROM 8 YRS OLD WITH YOUNGER SIBLINGS IN THE HOUSE ITS MISERABLE AND THEY CAN COME WITH ME I BELIEVE KIDS NEED SUPERVISION.

[zjonzie]

i have no intentions of leaving him in the car or at home.  he asks me to all the time as he hates to go to the store.  i hear of so many parents that leave the kids home for 30 min to run to the grocery store and they are younger than my son so i was wanting to hear from many moms on this subject.  when im tired and dh needs to run into one more store after being gone for hours, ill gladly sit in the car and wait! lol

Quoting isaacs_wifey:

I wouldnt leave my son home alone until he gets in high school, as for leaving him in the car, i wouldnt do that, whats the point in taking your kids with you somewhere and have them sit in the car?  i wouldnt want to sit in a car by myself so im sure he wouldnt want to either

[zjonzie]

yes kids can make bad choices that is where we come in as parents to teach and guide them.  this goes beyond what i asked but if you dont let them make mistakes they cant learn right?  im not saying at 10 yrs old but at 15 they need to be trusted.  maybe younger i dont know, that is why im asking.

Quoting danahake:

I DONT PLAN TOO AT ANY AGE THEY ALL ARE CAPABLE OF MAKING BAD CHOICES.. WE WERE LEFT ALONE GROWING UP FROM 8 YRS OLD WITH YOUNGER SIBLINGS IN THE HOUSE ITS MISERABLE AND THEY CAN COME WITH ME I BELIEVE KIDS NEED SUPERVISION.

[HelenaSatori]

I was cooking Thanksgiving dinner by 7. I think it depends on maturity

[momaloveof3]

Try to go to the store when he's in school.  Then you won't have to worry about him as much.