DS8 has been trying really hard to convince me that he is mature enough to stay home alone, at least long enough for a quick trip to the store, or while I go running. I don't think he is ready for that yet, but I can't pinpoint a reason. Yes, he occasionally does stupid things like any 8 year old, but he thrives on responsibility and always shows more maturity when treated more like an adult. He gets mouthy, but that is about the only discipline problem I have from him. He knows all the neighbors, he knows to call 911 in case of an emergency, and he knows and follows all the house safety rules (no playing with sharp objects, no jumping from the top bunk, etc). From a purely logical standpoint, it seems like he IS ready. But I don't think he is. I know readiness varies from child to child, but how old was yours when you left him/her home alone for the first time, and how did it go?
