OK working moms and dads, at what age do you think your kids are old enough to come home to an empty house? I am nearing the end of after school programs and am not quite willing to employ a baby sitter, when my own kids have been paid to be responsible for others' children for short periods of time.

I know I can set ground rules and say that friends are not allowed over when we're not home, but how can we control Internet access and even excessive TV watching? I'd like to think that after school should offer some downtime (is choosing a healthy snack way to much to expect?) but I'm wondering if others have any experiences to share about making sure limits are observed.

I like to think my kids are the "good kids," but I would also like to be smart enough not to have my head in the sand when it comes to what's available online -- and even around the house.

There must be a favorite meal your kids always look forward to… something they like, that’s somewhat healthy and doesn’t take hours to prepare. Can anyone out there share a recipe or at least a quick solution? As hard as I try to get the dinner thing together in advance so we don’t eat too late when I get home from work, I am out of ideas. We’ve had one too many rotisserie chickens – and it’s too cold out there to grill burgers. Any suggestions?