Sure, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister handled his harrowing adventures on his own heroically in "Home Alone," thanks to the Hollywood treatment.
But how would your average kid fare for 30 minutes or a few hours while parents are out? At what age can that become a consideration?
Moms on Northeastern Wisconsin MomsLikeMe .com offer their opinions on when kids are ready to stay home alone.
? "My son was 11 last summer, and we started leaving him alone with his sisters ? 8 and 2 ? while we went to exercise or out for drinks and appetizers ? about 45 minutes to 1? hours. Any more than that, and we'd get a sitter. We'd stay close by. Our gym is two minutes from our house, and the restaurants we choose are about five minutes so we can be home within a few minutes. Plus, they know the neighbors around us who they can go to for immediate help. We'd put our 2-year-old to bed first so he doesn't have to do that. They would keep busy reading or do homework if it was a school night or watch a movie if it was a weekend. They recently learned to make microwave popcorn, so they do that themselves." ? Jen5105
? "The interesting thing is what is too young and what is too old? For example, 13 to 15 seems OK, but then they are 16-18 with a boyfriend/girlfriend, and you don't want the house to be unsupervised again!" ? abbysmom07, Neenah
? "Our two just turned 9 years old. I don't feel comfortable leaving them home alone. I would only just now consider leaving them in the car while I run into the grocery store to pick up one quick item. Maybe if we had family or close friends nearby who would be home during that time, I may consider leaving them home for a little, given that my son is very responsible for his age and follows rules and directions really well. Maybe 10 or 11. I watched my three younger siblings from about the time I was 11. I wouldn't consider having my older kids watch the younger ones unless they agreed and we paid them something for it. It's their childhood, and they shouldn't be burdened with my responsibilities (kids)." ? Mommy0505, Hartford
? "I started leaving my son home alone for short periods of time at the age of 9. A lot depends on maturity, and to say the least, I was nervous because I didn't know if I could trust him. It wasn't the trust at home; it was the trust with the phone calls or someone coming to the door. To this day, he still isn't afraid to tell someone on the phone that Mom isn't home. Thankfully, no one has ever come to the door. He is such an easygoing, never-worry kid at the age of 11. I would like to get him into a baby-sitting class because I think that helps mature them some, gives them a look at responsibility. It worked for my daughter, and it would also give me a little peace of mind." ? rplace
? "All my girls started staying home alone for brief periods when they were 9 or 10. My oldest started to baby-sit for her younger siblings at 11, but the youngest two ? 3 and 4 ? would be in bed. We decided that she was responsible enough after finding out that she was doing all the work the baby-sitter should have been doing: changing diapers, getting pjs on and tucking them into bed. It really depends on the maturity of the child and the temperament of the siblings." ? Mommy2fourgirls, Appleton
? "My 10-year-old daughter and I were just talking about this. She had wanted me to leave her younger brothers with her while I ran to the store. My answer? No way! I told her that she needs to be 12 to be baby-sitting. If I was running to get gas, I might consider letting her stay home alone, but all three of them, no way. I do have a friend that lets her 9-year-old watch the younger two when she runs out for some errands, and I was surprised. But everyone's kids are different, and each parent is different, too." ? gottalovethem
"I know Jo-Ann Fabrics has a kit in their summer camp selection. It comes with like five different colors, gloves and rubber bands enough for 10 shirts. I just bought it for my nephew's birthday. When I did tie-dyeing with my summer camp kids, we used Rit dye. Hobby Lobby should have something ? The longer the (kids) leave it in the dye, the brighter and longer the dye will stay in their shirts." ? SaraLee24
"I just saw a mess-free kit for tie-dye at Barnes & Noble." ? KimS1, Green Bay
