[JRandomFreeper]

Sis and I got left alone for a weekend, with a neighbor for emergency contact, at ages 12 and 11. We managed. I did have to fix some damage to the cabinet hinges, but it all worked out.

We're raising a generation of helpless sissies.

/johnny

[stephenjohnbanker]

12 and 10 for my brother and I. I cooked dinner often at age 10, as both of my parents worked.

[Krankor]

Well, in the grand scheme of things, I have a feeling the couple had someone assigned to look in on the kids. Still, this is the big city, in the 21st century, in a building I bet has some unsavory types lurking around. I just think it’s hilarious the mother is so adamant the accusations aren’t true on her Facebook page yet, if you scroll down, you can see her talking about going to Las Vegas. Plus their picture is great-she looks like she’s ready to drop another one. And their names are the coup de grace- not just the first name but the last, as well- Howard and Johnson (get it?)

[SuziQ]

Sis and I got left alone for a weekend, with a neighbor for emergency contact, at ages 12 and 11. We managed.

11 yrs. old is a little more mature than 9 yrs. old, and having 'backup' available makes all the difference.

It doesn't say in the story whether or not the parents actually had someone available for contact in case of an emergency, or if there was a neighbor who was willing to stop by to check on the kids. One of the neighbors mentioned that the place they lived was safe, but accidents can also happen, and kids that young, without the benefit of of someone to call, can make a situation worse because of poor judgement.

[KoRn]

Yeah, I was left at home alone at around those ages, and it was NEVER an issue. I was left with money/blank checks, and walked to the grocery store whenever I needed anything. I rather enjoyed the freedom, and I believe it helped me mature.

[9YearLurker]

Yep. Babysitting, not being babysat for, at that age used to be pretty regular.