[email protected]

In a message dated 4/24/03 4:58:32 AM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:

<<
But while we're on the subject - how old do you think a child should be
before being left alone.? >>

When they're comfortable with the idea and know how to handle themselves in
an emergency. Trevor was ready around 9 and 10 (for very short periods of
maybe 1/2 hour), and at 11 started babysitting his siblings for short periods
of time.
He is 13 now and watches them for longer periods, he likes getting paid.

Jared likes being home alone at 9, if he didn't want to I wouldn't ever leave
him. But he likes it. I let them decide when they're ready, and I consider
all the things they may have to deal with and prepare them for it.
Mainly, "get to Wade and James house if there's an emergency" is the big
instruction here. (our neighbors two doors down)

Ren
"They dined on mince, and slices of quince, Which they ate with a runcible
spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, they danced by the light of the
moon."
--The Owl and the Pussycat
Edward Lear