What age to let themselves in after school?

I have two kids, a daughter in middle school who has had a key since 6th grade, and a son entering 5th. In the past, he has taken a different bus home to go to a sitter because my daughter had after school activities and couldn't always be there to see him off the bus.

This year, we have her activities narrowed down to about two a month. For those two days,I was thinking about giving my son a key to let himself in. He would be home about 30-45 minutes until either my daughter or husband arrived home. He is 10. Is this something you would consider? Or should I just enlist the babysitter again? Seems silly for such a small amount of time.

Re: What age to let themselves in after school?

As usual, depends on the kid. If you are comfortable & your trust your kid to listen to the rules (do not answer the door, do not answer the phone for anyone but these people, etc.), I don't think 10 is too young.

Message edited 8/28/2013 10:23:59 AM.

Re: What age to let themselves in after school?

I have a similar situation. My daughter is going into 5th grade as well. 1-2 days a week, she would be home 30-45 minutes before me or my older daughter.

Although I trust her to be alone for short periods (she will be 11 in December), I'm not letting her come in alone because I'm more concerned about someone observing a pattern. I know this sounds paranoid, but this is what it comes down to for me. So, I've signed her up for another year of after care.