Can a 11 year old stay home by himself?

Question

Can a 11 year old stay home by himself?

Answer 1

it depends on the maturity of the child, but most 11 yr olds can handle being home alone for a few hrs.

Answer 2

Yes, it depends on the child. I am a school teacher and some of my 5th graders I totally trust with that type of responsibility. And there are some I wouldn't trust at all! If you have to second guess it, I wouldn't trust it. Good luck and you're great for asking advice on this.

Answer 3

I think the law is 12 years.  But, make sure they don't even use the microwave.  My 10 year old son made up a concoction with marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers, which I approved and told him only 30 seconds.  I saw him go take it to the family room to watch T.V., then I took something upstairs for 3 minutes.  Thank goodness I came right back, because the whole kitchen and family room filled up with smoke as soon as I got back (I saw it before I smelled it).  He added honey onto the paper plate and restarted the microwave with an extra 0!  I saw it as the smoke was reaching him, I couldn't believe how fast it happened.  I asked him to help open windows, but he freaked out and ran up stairs to save his toys.  

I've never left my kids in the house alone to even make a short trip when they were sick.  They always run to answer the door even when I tell them to ignore the UPS guy (we don't always have to  sign for packages in the U.S.).

Answer 4

it also depends on what state you live in.  where i live it is illegal for you to leave a child who is under the age of 13 at home alone.

Answer 5

sure, just leave like a list of do's and donts and phone #

Answer 6

in VA they say for no more than 2 hours or else CPS can get involved and you don't want that to happen! If I were you I'd check with your local CPS and see what they say.. but also trust your instincts and ask yourself do you think the 11 yr old can handle being alone, what to do in an emergency. etc.

Answer 7

depends on the kid.

i wont allow my 11 year old home by himself because he makes stupid decisions.

i was allowed to stay home alone when i was 8

Answer 8

Check your local city/county/state ordinances...some states have a specific minimum age...

Answer 9

If you think he can, he can.

Answer 10

Depends if he is mature enough. Also depends where your live. Here ( Canada ) it is illegal to leave a child till the age of 12 years.

( Connie Mom of 4 )

Answer 11

I belive the legal age is 12 but it depends on your state.  Also depends on the maturity of the child.

Answer 12

Yes.

Answer 13

if he is mature and responsible then yes my son just turned 12 and has been staying home by himself since right after he turned 11

Answer 14

depends on the child. If he is trustworthy and tends to follow rules well, then I would say yes, for a short time if its necessary. My daughter is 11 and she occasionally stays alone if she's sick from school or for a half hour or so.

Answer 15

I did.  Younger than that, even.

Answer 16

aren't they supposed to be 12 before they can legally be home alone? not too sure on that one, but i have to say that if you can trust them and they show responsiblity for their actions than yes

Answer 17

For a couple of hours yes...any longer no unless you want to be turned in to CPS

Answer 18

It depends on his maturity. I have two younger brothers, both 11 and I would completely trust one of them to stay home alone [for a short amount of time] but the other is way too immature and doesn't think, he would end up burning the house down.

If he can take responsibility seriously and has some common sense then I don't see a problem with it IF it's for a SHORT amount of time and the doors stay locked.

Answer 19

If the child feels comfortable doing so then yes...but not late at night or overnight, a few hours no longer, even though they act tough at eleven...they really aren't lol

Answer 20

In my state they recomend 13.

( personal choice) However it depends on the maturity of the child.... how long they will be home alone ect.

I didnt leave my son until he was 15, and that was just if he beat me home from work, or I ran to the store ( 3 blocks away ) and he didnt want to go. But i would call and let him know i was on my way home and ask how his day was..... I have a handsfree device.

Answer 21

when i was 11 i did all depeneds on how much you trust him, for me i lived on a lake not to close to town so i guess my parents didnt think i would get into much trouble :P