CHILDREN - Is Your Child Old Enough to Walk Home Alone?

"Experts differ on age kids should walk alone" by Roseanne Colletti, NBCNewYork.com 7/14/2011

Brooklyn boy's murder leaves parents asking how young is too young

The brutal slaying of a Brooklyn boy this week has left many parents asking how young is too young to let your child walk home alone.

Leibby Kletzky was just short of 9-years-old and wanted to be a big boy and walk home from his day camp by himself. He lost his way and lost his life after turning to a stranger for help, authorities said.

According to child experts, there is no magic age when it is safe to allow your child to walk alone.

"You have to know your own child," said Bernie Kessler, owner and executive director of Oasis, one of the largest day camp operations in the Tri-State.

Children should be at least 12 years old, according to Wendy Levey, owner and executive director of 74th Street Magic Day Camp.

"They get lost too much younger than that," she said.

Both camp directors said shorter distances are better, and it's ideal if children are familiar with the neighborhood.

They advised parents to rehearse the walk with the child or ask them to stay on a cellphone with them while making their first walk.

As for asking for help from a stranger and then going off with one, "it's something you have to talk about over and over," said Levey.

"We tell our kids, if they get lost in the park or on the street, look for a Mommy with kids," she added.

NBC New York met Laura Munize walking with her daughter in John Jay Park. So when would she let her daughter walk alone?

"I don't want to put an age on it, maybe 10 or 12," she said, adding she didn't think there was a single age for every youngster.

"As young as 9, depending on the child," said Gina Rotundo, who was getting ice cream with her two daughters. She also said she didn't think parents should be frightened by bad news they hear.

IMHO:

• REALISTICALLY knowing your child is critical, especially how good their memory is and do they follow instructions


• Rehearsing the way home is a very good idea, if you make sure your child reads street signs, notices land marks (especially at corners) and surroundings


• Rehearse MORE than once


• Suggest your child walks home with a neighbor's (one YOU know) child, if possible