I find it difficult to relate to someone who could hold this opinion. It may be a feature of not being a parent.. But how helpless exactly do grownups think kids are?<p>Beyond the age of 5, maybe 6, a child is surely more than capable of independent living for several days? They should be able to handle their bodily functions, feed themselves, keep themselves entertained with books and&#x2F;or TV and&#x2F;or the internet, play outside with their friends and cycle around (slightly depending on the living arrangement and distances involved), commute to school, get their homework done etc.?<p>I remember being home alone for days going on weeks during early school years, if my parents were out of town&#x2F;out of country. 20-45-minute commute of walking+subway (&#x2F;metro&#x2F;underground) is still the norm for everyone at my (then) primary school starting from first grade.