Do you let your kids go alone?

[jillwdw]

My sons (8 & 15) and I are going to WDW and while we are there I have to attend a conference. Is there some sort of age limit for kids to be alone? The 15 yr old is very mature and we have cell phones to keep in touch but I have never done such a thing. Have you ever let your kids explore alone or go to restaurants without you? Wow, can I book a ressie for them if an adult isn't with them?

 

[Atchley]

Fifteen might be okay, but eight IMO is still a little young to go out without an adult, even with an older sibling. Just my opinion.

 

[mickeymousemom]

As long as we were all in the same park, my two oldest DD's have been going off by them selves for the last couple trips. i think the first time, they were 16 and 12(with cell phones, of course). Now we will let them hang back in the room and take the bus later to meet us in the parks. My oldest is now almost 18. I'm not sure about letting them go off by them selves(at 15 and 8) if you aren't going to be easily acessible.

 

[Redbudlover]

I was at a conference in Boston many years ago and took my 15 and 11 year olds - both very bright and capable kids. They spent the day at two different museums and got around on public transportation alone. We had planned it together very carefully and I felt really comfortable - pre cell phones - until they didn't show up to meet me on time. I just about panicked - and was totally berating myself. They were 30 minutes late - having such a great time and not giving themselves enough time to get back with the hordes of rush hour people. Still pretty vivid 20 years later.... Would I do it again? Yes now with cell phones. If not I would have them check in every hour or so - course they couldn't do that with me in meetings and no cell phone...

But I would totally do it if you trust your oldest with care of your 8 year old - and only you know whether you do. But I think a fifteen year old should be fine if he is generally trustworthy and responsible.

 

[ndgqccmiller]

My family and my sisters family went to Cedar Point which is a huge thrill park right on Lake Erie. We were there for 3 days. At one point my sister and I wanted to ride a new roller coaster w/ our husbands and the line was 45 mins long. So we let the kids go off my niece 14, niece 10, ds11 and dd7. We gave them an hour and 45 ( just in case the wait was longer). They had cell phones and a specific time to meet us. I think that was the best time they had the whole trip. You know your children at 15 I was baby sitting, going to movies and the mall by myself. Just lay the rules down and I might make sure the 8 year old has a cell also in case they get seperated. Good luck

 

[Doc CW]

My mom lets me go it alone and I'm fine as long as I'm back by midnight or if she has to she can call me, and she trusts me. I think it all depends on how much you trust your kids.