How old must the older brother be to be left alone for 2 hours during naptime for a two year old?

Question

I am thinking of running errands during naptime of m 2 year old. I have an older son, and thought if he was just instructed to call 911, then me, leaving the two alone for no longer than an hour or so would be ok.

(i'll edit my older son''s age after i see what you all say.......)

♪ peace ♥ love

Answer 1

When my oldest daughter was about 9, almost 10, I let her watch her 4yo sister for about 30 minutes or so while I went to the store.  Any younger than that I think I would be too worried.  Keep in mind, we lived in a gated apartment complex, and I would let the neighbor know I was going so she could help if needed.

Answer 2

I would if the older son was over 13....i think any younger than that is too young.  Its ok to know how to call 911 but it takes more than that to be responsible.  He needs to be able to recognise an emergency situation!!  otherwise the 2yo will wake up and the older boy will call 911!!!

Answer 3

10.

Answer 4

If something bad happened and your 10 year old did call 911, then child protective services may decide that you placed your children at risk by leaving them alone, and you could lose custody of your children.     I wouldn't risk it.

Answer 5

I don't know either.  I am considering the after school babysitter who will only have the kids for an hour and she is 12.  I am a little concerned about that.  My oldest son is 10 and very responsible but I don't think that would be OK especially if someone got hurt.  I feel for you but I would make sure and be safe and just take little ones with you on errands.

Answer 6

to legally (in sd) leave your older child with any younger child the older must be 13 or older

Answer 7

The legal age for a child to be left home alone is 13 years old, after that it is up to you to leave him in the supervision of other children.

Answer 8

We really can't say anything if you don't let us know what the older brothers age is. In order to get a complete answer, we are going to need a complete question.

Well, i personally think it's too young, but if you only going to be gone for an hour at the most, then it should be okay. But what if your youngest just happens to wake up while your gone or wakes up with a nightmare, is your oldest capable of handling his behavior or capable of consoling him telling him that everything is ok? Just curious.

If your not going to be gone for more than an hour, then i guess it is okay.