Although I am glad at his growing level of independence,
there's nothing in me that feels like he should be left alone.
When should that be then?
If you knew our son, he's about the most laid back, easy going kid you could find. I actually wouldn't worry about leaving him home by himself as far as that goes. The younger three? They would tear the house down.
It's the fact that he's NINE. I just can't bring myself to let him be alone. Even though I wouldn't actually worry about what HE would do, I would worry about what could happen TO him. As responsible as he is, is a nine year ready to handle atypical or possibly dangerous situations?
In August he will turn ten. I think I was BABYSITTING by the age of 13. I know the time will come when it "feels right", so I guess for now, it's a good sign that he's beginning to stretch his independent wings.
I hope it's not just me trying to hold on to our baby. I'll have to say though...the wind got sucked right out of me when he tried to convince us that he was "old enough" by saying, "You KNOW Mom and Dad...in only seven years from now, I'll be driving a car."
Lord help us.
