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ghentry,

Do you live in a dense neighborhood? If so, do you know/trust your neighbors and does any of them stay at home (e.g. retired/work from home)?

I used to come home from school alone all the time when I was in middle and high school and not think much of it. Both of my parents work and I get off school sooner than they get off work. Thinking back, 1 of the key factors was that we knew all the neighbors and I'm friends w/ their kids. Also, lots of my friends are home alone too. Frankly, we hardly stay inside, generally prefer to go play basketball, ride our bikes, etc.

14 years old is fine. I think I was about there back then. But back then I didn't mind and having the independence allowed me to do whatever I wanted, which (come to think of it) isn't good when you are 14.

Summer was excellent. We all loved the fact of less supervision. I did go to some camps, but they were only for a few weeks. So there were lots of times I'm home alone all day.

I remember the big issue was being home when my parents came back. Sometimes we'll be out too long. Once we got cars, then everything is even better.

So, don't worry too much about your kid. I think I grew up ok, well maybe not. But I'm still alive.

Don't give that 14yr old access to guns. Give him a phone & contact numbers. gDepending on where you live nd neighborhood kids situation, your son may not even be home all that time.