Can I leave my 10 yr old daughter and 8 1/2 yr old son alone at home while I walk the dogs for 20 minutes?

Question

I have started to leave them alone for 10 to 20 minutes while I do one errand to see how it goes, and they know all the safety precautions. And this Spring I've finally allowed my daughter to go bicycling by herself for a 1/2 hr to 45 minutes with my watch and instructions to be home at a certain time. But I'm still a little nervous.... We live in a safe neighborhood, and they would probably still be asleep when I walk the dogs. What do you all think?

Answer 1

In my state, you need to be 12 to state home alone

10, if anything happen you can get into trouble, in my state

You should be a little nervous

Do you remember a few years ago, that 12 year old girl walking home, took a short cut, and someone took her.  It was on tape, how fast she was gone

Most likely nothing will happen

If you were not nervous, I would wonder about that

It's up to you

I remember when I was in 2nd grade, a boy in my school disappear from walking home from a friends house.  We lived in a safe neighborhood.  I would not let my daughter go around the block

Answer 2

if they are responsible then i would see no problem.  maybe they could use the exercise too.

Answer 3

I think as long as the kids know you'll be outside and not to go out themselves it will be fine.

My grand daughter is 11 and she is fine for a few minutes alone. Its not like you'll be far away. I was reading other answers and it seems people think you're running away for a hot date!

If the kids have a problem once you'll know they need to go with you afterward.

Answer 4

That would be "child abandonment."

And you would lose your children. <}:-})

Answer 5

dont worry they will be okay i used to stay home alone when i was 6 and it was all right.

they are old enough to stay alone be sure :)

Answer 6

Where we live it's illegal to leave a child under the age of 12 alone

Answer 7

I think it would be just fine for a 20 minute walk in a safe neighborhood.  At most, you'd be a 10 minute walk away, even closer if you had to run home for some reason.  I leave my 7 year old alone in the house for about 20 minutes while I am outside but still on the property, and have done so for a few years.  I have not ever driven anywhere, though, because I always think what if I were to get in an accident or was not able to get home quickly?

If they are sleeping when you go, make sure to leave a big note where they'll see it so they don't wake up and panic when they can't find you.  On the note write the time you left, or the time you should be back by, and instruct your daughter to call for help if you've been gone too long.

Answer 8

I'm not sure if it is legal to leave a child under 12 at home alone. Maybe you should check it with your local town authorities.

Answer 9

sorry I couldn't do it, can,t you get them up a little earlier and take them, it would be good for them as well, work up an appetite for brekky

Answer 10

well i think it is ok

Answer 11

If it makes you nervous because you don't think they will be safe, then probably not.  If you are nervous because you think others will judge you, then it isn't the situation.

I would think that you'd be ok.  I would tell them in advance that in case you are not there if they wake up, you will be walking the dogs and have a cell phone with you.  

I would not leave them alone more than 1/2 hour though.  As many have suggested, check with local law too.  

Answer 12

Yes that is fine I have been allowed to go off alone in town since I was 8

Answer 13

its not really safe to leave your kids alone especially at young age.accident always happen.ask for a help to look for them while you are walking your dogs or do the errands.

Answer 14

this is slightly tricky, if your kids are sensible and you trust them. also if the doors are locked etc. then 10 or 20 mins may be ok, if not , id wait til there older

Answer 15

it's all up to you. if you feel that your daughter is mature enough to watch your son, then have at it. you know them best, good luck.

Answer 16

I think its fine if you trust your daughter.  Each time that you leave them home alone, you will trust them more.  If you want you could tell a neighbor that you will be gone for 20 min.  good luck

Answer 17

If you can't you've not taught them well.

Answer 18

Of course its okay to leave kids at home for a few minutes as long as you specify you don't want them to leave the house and they know not to use the stove without an adult.

At 10yrs I'd been left in charge of 3 younger kids for as long as 3hrs and you'll be surprised how well kids behave when parents aren't around especially if you emphasize the trust you are giving them.

Answer 19

I'm new here, but wanted to chime in!

I think it would be OK in my neighborhood, as long as your kids won't be afraid if they wake up and you're gone. And if you would be within 5 minutes of your house at all times -- in my sub of 150 houses, the setup of the streets would allow me to jog home in 5 minutes or less no matter where I was.

Maybe you could start small -- like just walking around the block a few times for 20 minutes? That way, you would almost always be in sight of the house...or pretty darn close.

I hardly think this would constitute child abandonment. JMO.

Answer 20

Its a tough situation...I personally wouldnt do it. But I also don't know your children. I always worry about the "what if's" so that makes me more inclined to say no, you shouldn't. Also, I would talk to locals or neighbours and let them know so that if they see your children out and about, they know to watch out for them if you are gone. That way also, no one will get the wrong idea and possibly report you. I still am a firm believer in 12 year olds being at home alone, but maybe you have really mature children.  

Answer 21

Sure!  If they're asleep, lock the doors and leave a big note where they'll see it if they wake up.

If they're awake and if they behave, thank them for confirming your trust in them but don't go overboard.

And if (WHEN) they use that 20 minutes to try to pummel each other senseless, as siblings sometimes do, they both get to walk with you and the dogs for the next week.  Or two.

You are on the right track to raising responsible, mature kids who know how to exercise good judgment.  Good for you, Mom!

EDIT:  Some states do have laws about leaving children under 12 unattended.  In North Carolina, you can't leave a child under 12 alone for more than 3 hours.

Answer 22

give them a phone and go but see if it okay with the local law enforcement