At what age would you leave your child home alone ?

Question

Do you think children are old enough to be left home alone? Only for maybe an hour.

Em

Answer 1

I'd say 10 at youngest. For short trips to the store that only are about an hour.

More than that 12-13

It also depends on their maturity.

Answer 2

For short trips down the street or to the grocery store I would say about 12 or so (around 6th or 7th grade). Even then I would make sure they have their cell phone, that I had mine and that they could reach me at any time if something happened.

For longer trips I would say, gradually start taking longer trips after you have been leaving them home for a little while, so maybe around age 13 or so.

But really it all depends on how much you can trust your kids, if you know they will know what to do in case of an emergency, etc....

My fear never really had to deal with leaving my kids at home, but at other places. For example, if I left  my daughter at dance lessons and went to run errands and got in an accident, that scared me because no one would be there to pick her up (Hubby travels a lot for his work). I was so terrified of  something happening to me and not having anyone to take care of my daughter that I just would watch her while she had dance lessons and things instead of going places...sigh, I guess that's just me though.  

Answer 3

This is a tough question, and what i was told by the police department, believe it or not (California) that there really is no "set age" it is based on their level of maturity and the ABILITY  to care for themselves, dial 911 and are aware of basic home safety. I was told a mature 7 year old might be ok to stay home alone briefly, but a developmentally disabled 15 year old wouldn't. see if it was based on age, then that wouldn't quite be appropriate. I think it shouldn't be done excessively or often. It may build some responsibility, but it may also bring on feelings of neglect or abandonment within the child if done often. No matter what, if the neighbors see it, they may try to call the police, and it will always be looked into, but if every things is ok, you'll be in the clear.  Personally, i think when the child is much older, like 10 or twelve it could start for brief periods...

Answer 4

I'd say around 13. I would make sure they can prove to me that they are responsible enough to be left alone. Children can only be in a daycare up to the age of 11 or 12 after that, they are usually old enough to be left alone, unless they have a handicap.

Answer 5

14 or 15 maybe but i wouldn't leave them in charge off younger children till they where at least 16 its a tricky one definitely no younger than 13 any way

Answer 6

if i had to pick an age i would say 10 but i think maturity is the question!

Answer 7

     I believe guidelines differ from state to state and depend on how old the child is, how long the parent is gone, and whether that child is caring for others.  Check with your department of family services to find out the legal requirement first.  Never leave a child alone that is under the legal requirement or you could be charged with neglect.  If they fit the legal age guidlines, then you need to consider their maturity level and decide if they are responsible enough to be left alone.  

     I have just started leaving my 11 year old for short periods but we have strict rules about not answering the door, and she tells anyone who calls that I am in the shower and will call them back.  She then calls me on my cell phone to let me know.  

Answer 8

My son started staying home alone when he was about 8, but it depends on the child and their level of maturity.  If you are comfortable with it and the child is comfortable with it, then try it and see how it goes.

Answer 9

I think the child is 5 years.