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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1066 total posts
Name:
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Age to Run Quick Errands
I had promised my DD a donut, so this morning we stopped at Dunkin Donuts in the pouring rain. I was tempted to just give her some money and ask her to go inside and buy the donut while I waited in the car. She's 8 years old and in 3rd grade. I didn't do that and we both went in the store.
But, then I got to thinking. What age is a good age for a kid to run a quick errand alone? I'm thinking of getting something in a small store that would be quick -- like picking up pizza or Chinese take-out, getting a loaf of bread from the bakery, etc.
What does everyone else think?
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Posted 4/26/17 10:09 PM  |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Following! LOL
I asked this question not that long ago when my 7 year old was sick and I had to run to the pharmacy to get him his meds on a cold, snowy day. I know that's too young, but wanted to know too.
I think I remember my neighbors across the street leaving that alone for a short time around 4th or 5th grade bc she'd ask me to keep an eye on the house since Lainey was there so she can go pick something up when she was sick.
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| Posted 4/27/17 7:16 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
You are not talking about leaving them home alone though while YOU run the errand- you are talking about letting them run into the store to grab the item while you wait outside int the car, right?
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| Posted 4/27/17 8:56 AM |
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blu6385
Member since 5/08 8351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
I debate this. I would rather let me kid wait in the car locked with my car starter running while I run in quickly to pick something up. Cause honestly I woudnt see a reason why they would need to get out but I didn't, unless I had another child in the car.
If I had another child in the car and I wanted to send the older one in quickly I think it depends on the maturity maybe between 8-10 and I would start with somehwere I can see them like 7-11
which is funny to me because at like that age I was walking and crossing busy roads by mtself  
my friend just told me how she knows someone who left their 7/8 year old home alone while they went to drop their younger sibling off to school which isn't to far from her house.
ETA: I have been letting my 6 year old K walk into her before care by herself lately. I have been running late and don't want to have to take my younger son out of the carseat so I have her go in by herself I wait till I see her walkin and then leave. Granted though once you walkin your in the place there is no classroom you have to walk to or anything
Message edited 4/27/2017 9:14:47 AM.
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| Posted 4/27/17 9:02 AM |
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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1066 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by NervousNell
You are not talking about leaving them home alone though while YOU run the errand- you are talking about letting them run into the store to grab the item while you wait outside int the car, right?
Yes, I'm talkin about the kid going into the store while I'm in the car.
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| Posted 4/27/17 9:12 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by nycbuslady
Posted by NervousNell
You are not talking about leaving them home alone though while YOU run the errand- you are talking about letting them run into the store to grab the item while you wait outside int the car, right?
Yes, I'm talkin about the kid going into the store while I'm in the car.
OK the first response threw me off! LOL
I would say maybe 10 or so and I'd want to be close by- like at my DD you can park right in front of the store and see in in certain spots.
Or a 7-11
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| Posted 4/27/17 9:15 AM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by nycbuslady
Posted by NervousNell
You are not talking about leaving them home alone though while YOU run the errand- you are talking about letting them run into the store to grab the item while you wait outside int the car, right?
Yes, I'm talkin about the kid going into the store while I'm in the car.
OK the first response threw me off! LOL
I would say maybe 10 or so and I'd want to be close by- like at my DD you can park right in front of the store and see in in certain spots.
Or a 7-11
That was me. Sorry for the confusion. 
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| Posted 4/27/17 9:20 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
That is when I go out of my way and go to the DD drive through 
I have a 10 year old and wouldn't send her in alone. Too many creepy people with ill intentions these days IMO. Plus the line at DD is always long, and that is too long alone inside for my liking. I'm probably more protective than others though. I have, however, sent her in with my 18 year old to 7-11 to get milk while I'm on the curb with full view.
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| Posted 4/27/17 1:05 PM |
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Salason
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Member since 6/05 9878 total posts
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
I've let my 9yo go into a couple of places in our town where I can park ride outside with a full view of it. Kids need some independence and I think that is a good starting point.
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| Posted 4/27/17 3:22 PM |
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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1066 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by Salason
I've let my 9yo go into a couple of places in our town where I can park ride outside with a full view of it. Kids need some independence and I think that is a good starting point.
That was what I was thinking. I'm pretty sure that I was going to the deli and other small stores by myself at around 9 (or earlier). I would walk the 1 or 2 blocks from home to the store. I remember that I would put the change in the bag so I wouldn't lose it.
I feel like kids today are becoming independent later and later.
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| Posted 4/27/17 3:30 PM |
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Salason
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Member since 6/05 9878 total posts
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by nycbuslady
Posted by Salason
I've let my 9yo go into a couple of places in our town where I can park ride outside with a full view of it. Kids need some independence and I think that is a good starting point.
That was what I was thinking. I'm pretty sure that I was going to the deli and other small stores by myself at around 9 (or earlier). I would walk the 1 or 2 blocks from home to the store. I remember that I would put the change in the bag so I wouldn't lose it.
I feel like kids today are becoming independent later and later.
Totally agree and as much as we would like to put them in a bubble forever, I don't think it's helping them. SO is a cop and tends to be overly cautious on safety in public but he actually encouraged this. It is remarkable to see how a little bit goes a long way in terms of independence and confidence in kids.
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| Posted 4/27/17 3:35 PM |
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Adri
Joy!
Member since 5/05 3116 total posts
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A
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
I think it depends on the kid. When DS was 10 I left him alone at home for 15 minutes or so to run a quick errand. He is 11 now and sometimes he goes to the market (1 block away) to get a snack. He also started going to the playground by himself a couple of weeks ago. Now that he has a phone, I feel more comfortable and that's why I let him do it. There are other kids that have been doing the same since they were 9.
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| Posted 4/27/17 6:03 PM |
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Dolphinsbaby
My 3 little guys!
Member since 12/10 2943 total posts
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
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| Posted 4/27/17 8:55 PM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
9 or 10 was probably when I started to run into a gas station to pay while they were in the car
I have 2 so thats a factor of what age my older one was vs my younger
I encouraged them to order at restaurants and go into say an ice cream store around then and order and handle money too
Depends on kid comfort level too
I would place orders for Chinese food and send DD2 in at10 yo to pay and pick it up because there's no parking
She did it but DD1 was more shy at that age
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| Posted 4/27/17 9:35 PM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by Adri
I think it depends on the kid. When DS was 10 I left him alone at home for 15 minutes or so to run a quick errand. He is 11 now and sometimes he goes to the market (1 block away) to get a snack. He also started going to the playground by himself a couple of weeks ago. Now that he has a phone, I feel more comfortable and that's why I let him do it. There are other kids that have been doing the same since they were 9.
Age 11 and being in 6th grade changes everything
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| Posted 4/27/17 9:36 PM |
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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1066 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
Yes, I remember buying cigarettes for my father. He'd give us a dollar because the cigarettes were 75 cents, so we could buy a pack of gum for a quarter! This was in the mid-70s. I can't even imagine doing this today!
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| Posted 4/27/17 10:32 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by nycbuslady
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
Yes, I remember buying cigarettes for my father. He'd give us a dollar because the cigarettes were 75 cents, so we could buy a pack of gum for a quarter! This was in the mid-70s. I can't even imagine doing this today!
OMG could you imagine them selling cigarettes to a minor now a days? 
Crazy how times change!
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| Posted 4/28/17 11:33 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
haha yes!! My grandma would write a note, and I would ride my bike like 4 miles to get her cigarettes!!
But, more creeps these days, more human trafficking, etc.
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| Posted 4/28/17 7:30 PM |
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blu6385
Member since 5/08 8351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
haha yes!! My grandma would write a note, and I would ride my bike like 4 miles to get her cigarettes!!
But, more creeps these days, more human trafficking, etc.
I did this too. I used to have note just in case I was asked for one.
Also is there statics that there is more creeps human trafficking etc? Cause I am convinced that not much has change except we now have social media so now every single thing end up there and everyone is now aware of it. I really am interested to know if cases are up.
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| Posted 4/28/17 8:42 PM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7180 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by blu6385
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
haha yes!! My grandma would write a note, and I would ride my bike like 4 miles to get her cigarettes!!
But, more creeps these days, more human trafficking, etc.
I did this too. I used to have note just in case I was asked for one.
Also is there statics that there is more creeps human trafficking etc? Cause I am convinced that not much has change except we now have social media so now every single thing end up there and everyone is now aware of it. I really am interested to know if cases are up.
I actually think they've proven it's safer now. People just have access to every little story--some of which are fabricated.
As for human trafficking...it seems to be a hot topic...but is this actually happening as much as people say it is?
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| Posted 4/29/17 7:37 AM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
My son is almost 10. He stays home for quick errands, like if I have to run to CVS quick. Never more than 45 mins. He is also allowed to go into stores where I can see him if I park in front.....like 7-11.
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| Posted 4/29/17 10:04 PM |
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olive98
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/12 791 total posts
Name:
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by Katareen
Posted by blu6385
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
haha yes!! My grandma would write a note, and I would ride my bike like 4 miles to get her cigarettes!!
But, more creeps these days, more human trafficking, etc.
I did this too. I used to have note just in case I was asked for one.
Also is there statics that there is more creeps human trafficking etc? Cause I am convinced that not much has change except we now have social media so now every single thing end up there and everyone is now aware of it. I really am interested to know if cases are up.
I actually think they've proven it's safer now. People just have access to every little story--some of which are fabricated.
As for human trafficking...it seems to be a hot topic...but is this actually happening as much as people say it is?
Yes definitely safer now. The difference is we have so much access to what's going on it seems more dangerous. I laugh when people say it's not like it was. Yes it's not it's wayyyy safer lol.
I was one of those kids too. Going to the store at 8 for ciggerettes lol.
I think 10 is appropriate. Also depends on the kid.
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| Posted 4/30/17 9:18 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
Posted by olive98
Posted by Katareen
Posted by blu6385
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Dolphinsbaby
I remember being in 2nd grade always running in for my mom asking for Newport Box cigarettes. If they tried to give me the soft pack, I'd say no, box. LOL. Ah, the good ol days. No one even batted an eye.
haha yes!! My grandma would write a note, and I would ride my bike like 4 miles to get her cigarettes!!
But, more creeps these days, more human trafficking, etc.
I did this too. I used to have note just in case I was asked for one.
Also is there statics that there is more creeps human trafficking etc? Cause I am convinced that not much has change except we now have social media so now every single thing end up there and everyone is now aware of it. I really am interested to know if cases are up.
I actually think they've proven it's safer now. People just have access to every little story--some of which are fabricated.
As for human trafficking...it seems to be a hot topic...but is this actually happening as much as people say it is?
Yes definitely safer now. The difference is we have so much access to what's going on it seems more dangerous. I laugh when people say it's not like it was. Yes it's not it's wayyyy safer lol.
I was one of those kids too. Going to the store at 8 for ciggerettes lol.
I think 10 is appropriate. Also depends on the kid.
I tend to agree with this. Plus now anytime someone gets looked at with a side eye they are jumping on FB and saying they were stalked by a humam trafficker.
Maybe the dude was just checking out your ass.
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| Posted 4/30/17 11:12 PM |
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curley999
Family!
Member since 5/05 2314 total posts
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Age to Run Quick Errands
Around 10 they started running in quick by themselves...(carvel, DD, CVS kinda thing) Around 9-10 I started leaving them home alone for short time periods too...
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| Posted 5/4/17 2:17 PM |
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Re: Age to Run Quick Errands
I think it depends on the kid. My 10 year old, we def could leave him and send him in. No problem. My SO's 9 year old will be ready to do this stuff when he's 35
Funny story, my son was home sick with his dad in September (he was 9.5) and he came back to me and told me "Dad left me alone while he ran to the store" and I said "good!" I think he thought he was getting his dad in trouble
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| Posted 5/5/17 11:16 AM |
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