I thought this meant you were shopping in Target and you let them out of your sight to look at the toy section or what have you. That started by age 5ish I'm sure.
But in the store entirely alone and completing a transaction by themselves? Probably age 9? We just had a situation at the library where there was zero parking spots and she needed a book for school. After trolling for parking for a bit I finally sent her in with her library card and she was able to get her book and check out no problem. She protested at first though.
I can't picture another situation where she would need to go in alone though. I also rarely have cash and I'm certainly not going to hand her my credit card/debit card to use!
I was in 5th grade when I started walking to the corner store and making my own purchases - so 9/10. I would say I was more mature than average, and lived in a small city, in a walkable, residential neighborhood. I was also a latchkey kid by that age.
I think I'd be looking at 12 years or older for most kids/scenarios. Maybe a little younger if they had a cell phone on them.
Post by Queen Mamadala on Dec 12, 2018 12:32:58 GMT -5
Starbuck's, convenience store, eateries, etc., 12+. I've let my older two (14 and 12) check out stuff at Target while I did my shopping.
I was a latchkey kid and often went to the grocery store on my home from school in 3rd+ grade. By middle school, I'd hang out at the mall, go to the movies, shop, eat out, etc., before heading home. (my school was two blocks from the mall).
I started making DS 1 place his own order and pay himself at the mall food court when he was 10. I’d be within eyeshot, but usually getting my own food at a different place. He hasn’t left the car while I’m still in it to make a purchase, but I’d be okay with him doing it now. He’s a pretty mature kid, and I think it’s important to give him those opportunities to experience independence before he hits his teens.
Post by peachdragon on Dec 12, 2018 13:29:43 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure I already have done this with my 7 year old. But only into a VERY small shop, she only wanted one thing, and I was standing right outside and could see her the whole time.
I'm guessing I'll go with 12 or 13 for a big store like Target.
Post by InBetweenDays on Dec 12, 2018 13:50:11 GMT -5
My kids can barely find their shoes when they're on their feet, so I have a hard time imagining them being able to navigate Target to find the items that I want. But I'd send my 12 yo in (not sure about my almost 10 yo). (ETA - I wouldn't not send him in because I'm worried something would happen to him. But more because I can see him spending 30 minutes in there and coming back out not having found what I sent him in for. Or he'd come out to the car 10 times asking clarifying questions. So it wouldn't save me time or sanity).
They do walk up to the corner market to grab things for us, but it's only a block away. And they walk to our local coffee shop or the corner store with friends to get treats.
Post by gibbinator on Dec 12, 2018 14:21:47 GMT -5
Pretty sure I was walking to the store up the road by myself at 8 (which admittedly I don't think I'd allow as a parent). But 11 seems fine to me. Dh's 11yr old cousin babysits for us, so if I'm willing to let her walk my kids to the park alone I can't imagine not sending her into a store to run a quick errand.
My 13 year old is too shy to place her own order at restaurants, so she's sure as heck not ready to go shopping by herself. Hopefully when she starts driving.
Post by knufflebunny on Dec 13, 2018 6:45:52 GMT -5
At 10 a bit, and definitely at 11 to pick up a bagel or donut at places like the bagel shop or DD. Also the local place we get take out from while I wait in the car outside the door m. She has a phone, so I call if it seems like it’s taking too long.
I’ve let her shop with friends, but without me directly in the same part of the store to Christmas shop, but wouldnt stay in the car while she goes on - it’s too big. She does go into cvs by herself.
At 11 I walked home for lunch, and at 12 we walked to a shop for lunch on a regular basis, but I don’t think I’d let her do that now...and they can’t leave school for lunch.