okay, am I just an overprotective parent....?

[epcotfan]

Nope, I don't think 16 is too young to stay alone. My mom worked night shifts when I was 16 and I didn't have any problems. But then again it depends on the kid. I would have felt like a fool if my mom had tried to shlep me off to a relative's house. It isn't like I needed someone to tuck me in. I was also capable of making something to eat. If a 16 year old can get themselves to school and maintain a job then it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[supercarrie]

My parents and sister have gone away for the weekend, usually during the school year. I always have too much homework, so I normally stay home. Usually I spend Friday night alone, and then I get bored on Sat. (don't have my license yet...) so I go spend the night at my brother's or at a family friend's house on Sat. night. I have stayed the weekend. I don't really like doing it though...I get lonely with no one around!

 

[supercarrie]

My parents and sister have gone away for the weekend, usually during the school year. I always have too much homework, so I normally stay home. Usually I spend Friday night alone, and then I get bored on Sat. (don't have my license yet...) so I go spend the night at my brother's or at a family friend's house on Sat. night. I have stayed the weekend. I don't really like doing it though...I get lonely with no one around!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I am an overprotective parent, just ask my kids. I left them (14 and 16) home alone for about 26 hours in October so DH and I could go away for our anniversry. They had rules and our cell phone number and the neighbors knew what was going on. It worked out fine. DD (16) has been babysitting for other people since she was 12, if we and they can trust her with their children, certainly I can trust her at home.

 

[POLLY ANN]

You're not overprotective, and I would never let my kids stay by themselves being underage. 18, maybe, but 16, no way in heck, I don't care what their maturity level is.

 

[Marion]

We left our almost 17 year old son home alone for a weekend this summer. We were going out to the cottage and he wanted to stay in town because a friend of his was coming in for a few days from another province to stay with his dad. He hadn't seen his friend since the year before so we didn't want him to miss his visit.

I was a bit nervous but we gave him his instructions. We had 2 official times to check in via phone every day and he was to call us if they were going to go anywhere. His friend was allowed to come over but nobody else. His grandparents were on 'stand-by' if he needed anything (they live in the city too). I even gave him some money, told him to menu plan for his weekend and go to the grocery store for supplies. (He did pretty good and actually bought a little bit of 'real' food to go with his chips )

Everything went just fine, he followed his rules and I am perfectly confident in his ability to do this again. IMO this was another parenting step in allowing more freedom and trust. He didn't let me down, and he felt good knowing we trusted him enough to do this. But I have to admit that if one of my neighbours took it upon themselves to step in and 'rescue' my son, I would have been upset and seen it as a slap against my parenting skills.

 

[Dodie]

You say it's no big deal for him to stay with you, but...

Will his parents appreciate your intervening in what they, obviously, thought was an okay arrangement? Consider what you might think about someone else second-guessing a decision you made about your child - and then actually taking action on their opinion without consulting you first.

I don't think your decision is wrong, 16 seems a little young to me, but am afraid that your action may be taken as meddling.

 

[LunarLady]

Originally posted by Marion
IMO this was another parenting step in allowing more freedom and trust. He didn't let me down, and he felt good knowing we trusted him enough to do this. But I have to admit that if one of my neighbours took it upon themselves to step in and 'rescue' my son, I would have been upset and seen it as a slap against my parenting skills.

You posted exactly what I was thinking, Marion. If we can't show that we trust our kids at 15, 16 & 17, how will they ever learn trust and respect? Lip service is one thing, but actions speak louder than words. All kids need the opportunity once in awhile to show Mom and Dad that they can be trusted to take care of themselves when left alone.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Echoing others, I think it depends on the child. The first time I stayed alone was for a week when I was 16, and there were no problems at all. If my DD (currently 8) is as mature for her age at 16 as she is now, I wouldn't hesitate to leave her alone either.