I don’t always have people readily available to watch my daughter while I’m at work or if I wanted to do something for a few hours during the day. Because of this I either have to rearrange my plans or take her with me. Sometimes I wonder at what age I can leave her at home by her self. My parents for some reason have developed some type of collective amnesia, and feel that I am crazy to think that my daughter can come home from school by her self and wait until I arrive. What they don’t remember is that they left my younger brother and me at home when I was in the third grade. I was responsible for ensuring that we got to and from school safely. My baby is in the Fifth grade, and I am extremely aware of the changes in times and the dangers that are in the streets right now, but at the same time a little responsibility is a good for her in my opinion. I’m not suggesting overnight or long extended periods of time, just for a few hours during the day. Maybe I’m crazy, but I think we coddle children today. What I don’t want to do is put her in harms way just to prove a point. So if any one have any suggestions send them my way THANKS!!! Essence of Fatherhood