I'm not sure why everyone is so paranoid about leaving a nine year old home alone, unless your in a bad neighborhood. If they are responsible, follow the rules and know the routine, what is wrong with that. It's not like you leave her there for hours alone, with no means of contacting you and it doesn't push them into being an adult. Kids should be able to handle being alone for a short time, how else are they going to learn to be independent and trustworthy. There was several times when I couldn't get home in time and both my kids were left alone for 20 to 30 min. (when they were 8& 10 yrs old). The house didn't burn down (they were not allowed to use the stove), friends were not allowed, they were not allowed to leave (until I got home) and I would always phone to make sure they got home safely. Nobody was injured and nobody died. They were happy to carry on after school by themselves and were not at all bothered by having to act responsible for a short time. Today they are teens and lead a happy carefree life, if anything, being left alone taught them to be self sufficient and more trustworthy. I had no problems but I'd be careful on who your telling about leaving her home alone. There are a lot of nosy people out there, just waiting to phone social services on you for some reason. I honestly believe these people have nothing better to do but to cause havoc on others ( I think they feed off of it). Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Yahoo!