Ever since the baby was born, your eldest daughter has wanted to be his full-time nanny. Now she's 9 and the baby's 4, and she's begging to practice baby-sitting on him. She insists she can care for him all by herself, and she IS dependable, but you've always been nearby. We parents must constantly re-answer that question for every situation and for every child. But we try to find ways to make the stay shorter.
Research shows that kids left alone for long periods of time often get into trouble and mischief.
In her favor, though, is her eagerness to care for him. Forcing older siblings to care for younger ones can create dangerous situations. Child experts agree that leaving children home alone is a situation best avoided. The emotional stress you leave them can set up anxiety, even resentment for the parent who has left them. McElroy urged parents to try everything they can to keep their children from being home alone.