When is My Child Old Enough?

by Dalia Faupel

Parents can go around in circles debating the right age for a child to handle certain responsibilities or activities. Vivian Lennon, M.D., F.A.A.P., pediatrician and Medical Director of Primary Care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, clears confusion with some straight answers. Note that these ages are general guidelines. As a parent, you must decide what you’re comfortable with, based on your children’s maturity and motor skills development.

To get their ears pierced.

Parents can take care of the cleanliness of new piercings for infants, but if not done at an early age, “It’s probably best to wait until the child can take care of their ears themselves, around age 10.” Check if your pediatrician does in-office piercings, and insist on 14K gold or surgical steel earrings to avoid allergic reactions. More info: parents.com

To have blankets and small comfort items in their cribs.

“Most 12-month-olds are developmentally able to roll over and pull themselves into a standing position.” Having the ability to move away from an object that could obstruct breathing is key. More info: healthychildren.org/safesleep

To ride in a bike trailer or bike seat.

Babies need to be at least 1 year old to age 4 to ride this way. “Helmets are required, and be aware of muscular weakness that would affect your child’s ability to sit safely in a bike trailer or seat.” More info: bicyclegeorgia.com/galaw.html

To try nuts.

Peanut or almond butter is okay to try around 12 months of age, as it’s easy to monitor for signs of allergies. “But I don’t recommend trying whole nuts until age 4 or older because they can be a choking hazard.”  More info: healthychildren.org

To be dropped off at a birthday party.

It depends on your child’s level of independence and the activities planned for the party (is swimming involved, for example), but children between 5 and 6 can usually attend a drop-off party successfully. More info: parenting.com

To ride in a car without a booster seat.

Most kids need to ride in a booster seat until around the ages of 10 to 12.  Children's Healthcare of Atlanta recommends a 5-step test to determine if yours still need one, including checking if a seatbelt crosses the body in the right places. More info: carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm

To stay home alone for a brief periods.

“Abide by DFCS [Department of Family and Children Services] guidelines, but every child develops differently.” In middle school years, preteens and teens can usually be left alone for short periods of time. Start with 15-minute errands, providing a set of rules for what can and can’t be done without an adult in the house and set text or phone check-ins. By age 13, many kids can be left alone and many can even babysit. More info: dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov

To cook on a stove.

Children can help with cooking on a stove with close adult monitoring, from about age 4. But to solely handle a pot or pan over heat, wait until about age15, and then only with parents nearby. “No child should cook when they’re home alone.” More info: kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center