Would You Leave a 6-Year-Old Home Alone?

A mom was floored when her 6-year-old casually mentioned Dad left him home alone for 15 minutes during a visit. The kid can’t call 911, doesn’t know neighbors, and has no phone. Now Mom’s torn: how do you bring this up with your ex without making your kid clam up? Reddit had thoughts: focus on emergency plans, not blame, and maybe get the kid a basic phone or watch for safety. Would you freak out or try to keep the peace? #Relationships #ParentingDilemma #CoParenting

25 days ago

Shea Carnahan

I was 10 years old when I stayed by myself with my sister who was 8 years old for the first time because I knew her number, I knew what to do if I had to call 911, I had a dog that I knew how to take care of and I had a backup plan if mom didn’t answer with my iPad! Every time we showed them that we could stay home for a few minutes by ourselves that time kept adding and it got to where we are by ourselves for a whole day and night now and in high school

24d

Riverside, MO

Reply(1)

Shea Carnahan

Absolutely not! They don’t know what is right or wrong! They can get hurt easily, they don’t know what to do when they have to call 911, what will they eat for dinner? A tornado warning comes will they know? Will they know not to answer the door? They have a younger sister or brother do they know how to handle them? A pet dog is at the house will they know what to do and what needs to be done? Do they know your number or have a way to get to you?!

24d

Riverside, MO