Ironworks Gaming Forum - View Single Post - I give up! Son's bike stolen AGAIN! Parental help?

Sazerac · 07-15-2002, 03:40 PM

Hi, Sir Kenyth:

IMO, 10 years old is waaay too young to be left "home alone." No sooner than 12, would be my advice on that. It would depend on the individual kid, though.

It sounds like your young one is having a tough time growing up. It sounds as if he has a hard time learning a routine; things like "always lock your bike up when you come inside", "always brush your teeth before bed," etc. Most kids start picking this up around ages 5-7. If they stop doing it, it may be seen as a sign of rebelliousness, but I don't think that's what this is in this case.

Just out of curiosity, have you had him tested for any cognitive problems? If that is what it is, then no amount of lecturing or punishment will matter. A friend of mine has a learning disability called "dysgraphia" which is the inability to retain or follow instructions. She has to have a notebook with her wherever she goes, with the simplest methods of doing things written down in it so she can look them up. She also has an IQ of 125 and is a successful graphic artist, so it's not an intellectual problem. Things we normally take for granted on remembering are a nightmare for her.

Since you asked, I think normal 10-year-old development would indicate capability of handling simple responsibilities: caring for pets, daily hygiene, basic security issues (locking doors, taking care of one's personal belongings). Lapses occur, of course, but when they occur constantly without your having to be "on him" all the time, it's not a lapse...it's a problem.

Do talk with his pediatrician...get a viewpoint on what normal 10 year old development should be, and then make a decision as to what to do from there. I wish you the best.

-Sazerac

07-15-2002, 03:40 PM	#12
Sazerac Ironworks Moderator Join Date: January 7, 2001 Location: Monroe, LA Age: 61 Posts: 7,387	Hi, Sir Kenyth: IMO, 10 years old is waaay too young to be left "home alone." No sooner than 12, would be my advice on that. It would depend on the individual kid, though. It sounds like your young one is having a tough time growing up. It sounds as if he has a hard time learning a routine; things like "always lock your bike up when you come inside", "always brush your teeth before bed," etc. Most kids start picking this up around ages 5-7. If they stop doing it, it may be seen as a sign of rebelliousness, but I don't think that's what this is in this case. Just out of curiosity, have you had him tested for any cognitive problems? If that is what it is, then no amount of lecturing or punishment will matter. A friend of mine has a learning disability called "dysgraphia" which is the inability to retain or follow instructions. She has to have a notebook with her wherever she goes, with the simplest methods of doing things written down in it so she can look them up. She also has an IQ of 125 and is a successful graphic artist, so it's not an intellectual problem. Things we normally take for granted on remembering are a nightmare for her. Since you asked, I think normal 10-year-old development would indicate capability of handling simple responsibilities: caring for pets, daily hygiene, basic security issues (locking doors, taking care of one's personal belongings). Lapses occur, of course, but when they occur constantly without your having to be "on him" all the time, it's not a lapse...it's a problem. Do talk with his pediatrician...get a viewpoint on what normal 10 year old development should be, and then make a decision as to what to do from there. I wish you the best. -Sazerac __________________ "And all my days are trances, and all my nightly dreams, Are where thy grey eye glances, and where thy footstep gleams, In what ethereal dances, by what eternal streams..."