Do you leave your kids home "alone" when you go out walking?

[CRSunrise]

I'm not saying home alone like I leave them at home, and go into town for walking and shopping - that sort of thing. What I mean, I go walking around town - I never leave town - and get my walking in. At first Iwas doing that, just walking around town, but then I was talking with my mom, and that since my oldest is only 11, that if I left her at home with my boys, who are 8 and 5, that that was considered baby-sitting, and I could get in trouble for leaving them alone like that.

I never leave town. I usually have my cell phone on me. The most I would have been gone is an hour to and hour and half. I've since stopped doing that unless my husband was home, but it seems like it's hindered some of my steps.

I just don't know what to do.

[JamieS_Wisco]

Most state laws are from 11-13.  But the age is usually less when they are related.  I don't see an issue with it myself.  Check out your local law on the subject.  As long as you aren't leaving them to fend for themselves for days and days, I don't know there is an issue with it.

[GershonSurge]

CRSunrise,

I don't know if an eleven year old would qualify as a sitter for an eight and five year old. This is a case where I'd find out what the law says and follow it. You don't want to end up involved with social services if something happens or a concerned neighbor reports it.

I've had to drastically reduce my steps and activity because of an injured achilles tendon. I've been more careful about not eating more calories than my basic metabolic requirement. All I'm trying to do now is not screw things up and gain weight. I prefer to focus on burning calories and not getting steps. This helps for me.

On those days you can't walk or ride your bicycle, consider burning at least a couple hundred calories doing extra chores around the house or some indoor exercise. 

This type of challenge may slow your progress, but there is no reason for them to stop your progress. When you reach your goal,  you will feel more pride because of the challenges. 

[SunsetRunner]

I babysat for 2 that were about 4 or 5 when I was 12. And that was at night while the parents were out and no cellphones at that time. It was also a strange neighborhood for me and I knew no one to call. Looking back, I'm not sure that I had the where-withall to make critical decisons.

That said, if there is a neighbor she can get a hold of in an emergency, as well as you on your cell, a few hours should be okay. The only problem may be that younger siblings won't "take orders" from their sister. I would ask a neighbor if they would be willing to be available if "Susie" needed something in a hurry. That may also put "Susie" at ease as well as yourself. Good Luck!

[NancyPat]

If I may suggest, bring your kids with you on your walk!  Fitness and living an active lifestyle is something we parents can teach by example to our children.  My kids are grown & having babies now (both girls married and moved out).  They still remember walking with mom, or riding their bikes to keep up with mom and both live active lifestyles today.  Pushing a stoller also helps burn a few more calories & gives you somewhere to stash purchases if you are shopping along your route.  Healthy happy and safe are good for you and your family. A the softest pillow is a clear conscience.