Because the parents aren't allowed to have a 10 year old at home alone. Either that, or this kid is a special case, and the parents are unloading him. We watched the neighbor's kid until she was in middle school, but only for an hour or so each morning. I think the age-break there was about 11 or 12 years old.
Wow, I was babysitting my brother and sister when I was 10. But I know... kids are bubble wrapped in protective gear, can't bully, shame, spank, look at cross-eyed. etc. etc. But I don't even want to interview let alone hire anyone under 50.
I plow this right bak to the feminists.