The White's

In the state of Virginia, it is illegal to leave a child under the age of 9 alone in a car while you run in for a gallon of milk.  I can't help but wonder if there are similar laws for staying home alone, or if there should be.
 
My 8 yr old has never been left alone, thank goodness.  The closest we came was being 5 minutes late picking him up from music class, but I knew he was still inside the store and had been told not to leave the store.
 
We live in an area I feel is very safe, very rural, yet we still have the inevitable bathroom problems.  Some places I'm fine with him going alone to the men's room, others no way.  Some are okay if I'm waiting outside but not if I'm in the other restroom and can't watch.  AND, without "drawing him a picture" I've told him mean/bad guys sometimes look for kids in the bathroom, that he should never touch anyone or let anyone touch him and that he should shout NO! if anyone scares him.  BUT, he still hates going to the ladies' room when I am not comfortable....
 
But I gotta be MOM and take care of him the best I can.
Cindy