The best ages for your child to experience these milestones, according to experts

Sarah Khan 11 Oct 2017 updated the 12 October 2017 à 10:46

1/6
Go on Sleepovers
Generally between 7 to 12 years old

The prime age for a sleepover truly depends on the child's individual maturity level, although experts typically suggest starting them between 9 to 12 years. For instance, if your child frequently sleeps over at his grandparents' or relatives', they might comfortably adjust to a sleepover at a friend's. Conversely, if you find that your child is a tenacious creature of habit and tends to be clingy to you, it may not be the best idea.

Timing also matters. If you're going through a challenging time at home - for instance, a death in the family or a divorce - it may not be the best time. Consider doing a 'trial run' first to see if your little one is ready for a sleepover: organise one at a relative's or a close friend's to let you discern if they will benefit from a sleepover or are still too young.

This is crucial: get to know the family of the friend hosting the sleepover and make sure you have solid communications in place. Also be wary of your teenagers asking your permission for a sleepover as it may be an occasion for them to experiment with underage drinking.
2/6
Own a Smartphone
11 years old

Frankly, it does seem like kids today can use a smartphone or tablet the minute they're out of the womb. Experts are divided on the best age for children to own their own smartphone - there are some who let their one-year-olds use a tablet, while others are firm about their decision to not let their kids use one till they're in their pre-teens.

In general, most people can agree that kids are mature enough to own a phone at about 11 years old. As always, before giving your child their own smartphone device, be honest about your child's level of maturity to deal with having instant access to the rest of the world through these devices and set clear rules and expectations.

Remember that at the end of the day, the phone is still your property. As the parent, you have the right to take it away if they break the agreed rules by using it excessively or inappropriately.
3/6
Walk to School Alone
10 years old

If you're wondering if it's time your kid walks to school alone, take into account their reasoning skills and ability to follow directions. Also consider the distance of the school, your neighbourhood and community, the traffic conditions and the weather.

In general, children under the age of nine cannot accurately gauge the speed of oncoming vehicles, so it's advised that they do not cross the streets alone. Once your child turns ten, you can let him or her walk to school alone, with his siblings or in a small group of friends. Before you set them off, decide on a safe route together and constantly remind them to stick to well-traveled streets, look both ways before crossing the road, avoid shortcuts and walk (instead of running) across intersections. Do make sure to teach them basic safety tips like not getting into a stranger's car, or heading in the opposite direction if a car approaches them.
4/6
Travel
At your discretion

You hear stories of (and have probably seen) babies getting on a plane a month after they're born. When it comes to traveling with your children, there's no right or wrong answer. According to Brett Snyder, founder and author of Crankyflier.com, as soon as "your child is old enough to watch an iPad, then the flight itself is probably fine." He also notes that it also depends what country you're visiting.

If whether your child will be able to remember and appreciate their travel experience is your concern, then starting them on travel at 9 is the prime age to do so. Traveling abroad at this age helps stimulate their curiosity and imagination, and also leaves them with fond memories of your family travels.
5/6
Carry a Credit Card
Depending on child's individual maturity

According to a report by CreditCards.com, more than one in three 18 to 29 years old Americans never had a credit card. When surveyed, the average age that Americans think someone should get their first credit card in their own name is at 22. In general, getting a credit card for your child in their own name is unwise as it only builds their credit history and score.

While you may not necessarily give your child a credit card in his or her own name, some parents do give their kids their credit cards in case of any emergency expenses. Consider your child's maturity level and their level of responsibility towards money matters before making the decision to let him or her carry. If you don't think they're ready to, wait until they're at least 22 years of age.
6/6
Be on Social Media
13 years old

There's a reason why the terms of use for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter stipulates 13 as the minimum age. Before giving your child the green light to get on social media, consider their maturity level, ability to understand the risks of being on the Internet, and if she can take responsibility for what she's seeing and posting.

Your parenting questions answered.

Parenting is tricky business. It’s a delicate balance of nurturing your child such that they do not grow up too fast and yet not lag behind their peers in their overall development. As a mother, you’ve probably spent countless hours marinating on when the right time is to let them own a smartphone, go on a sleepover – even date. If this is you, trust us when we say you’re not alone.

In the gallery above, we’ve outlined expert advice on when is the best age for your kids to experience these 6 childhood and teenage milestones. From owning a smart phone to being on social media, scroll the gallery above to get your burning parenting questions answered!

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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