One piece of advice my mother gave me that has truly served me well, was…
They’re old enough when they can do it themselves.
She meant this to caution me from putting a child up on a jungle gym before they were ready for the height. If that child can climb up on it themselves, they were ready for it.
I used this to teach myself restraint in “over-helping” my boys when they were babies. Instead of lifting them onto anything, I used words to encourage them to do it themselves. Often with my hands nearby to catch them if it was the first time or a watchful eye if they were trying again after failing.
Yet this wonderful advice applies to many, many things as your child ages.
Are they ready for junk food? Well, can they open the package themselves? Some of those containers are a bitch! If they can master that or scissors.. I say you’re ready!
The same applies for a soda. If you can open the can without help or a spill or (God forbid!) an explosion, then you’re old enough to drink it. Of course, I’m going to regulate how much you drink by never buying it!
My oldest (gotta love the OCD personality!) regulates himself and his brothers when it comes to age appropriate t.v., video games and internet viewing. He’s constantly asking what a program is “rated” M for Mature, T for Teen or what. Since he’s recently a Teen, he’s doing this to make sure his “younger” brothers are NOT watching or playing something beyond their level.
It’s kind of nice he’s looking out for them… OR is he trying to get them into trouble!