I was wondering at what age is it ok to leave your kids at home alone in ohio?

Question

I just want to know if there is even a law or whatever that says when you can leave your child home alone in ohio

Answer 1

14 would be the youngest age I would let my child stay home. Make sure they are mature to take care of situations that might come up, such as if a stranger knocks on the door, what would they do, if a fire started what would they do, etc.

Answer 2

I would wait until they are at least 3 or maybe 4

Answer 3

wikianswers says there is no law in Ohio but i would think it to be around 12-13, but you'll need to take into consideration YOUR child, length of time they'd be alone and if you have more than one kid if the eldest is responsible enough to be in charge

Answer 4

most states are 12 and older.

I wouldn't say anything under 12.

It depends on the maturity of your child as well

Answer 5

There is no law relating to this in Ohio. The key is that the child must be safe, must feel safe and must be able to handle any emergencies.

Most authorities agree that 12 or 13 is okay to be home alone for short periods of time. Looking after younger siblings is a different story and requires more maturity, particularly with siblings as they are going to fight being told what to do by a brother or sister.

" This is what is say on WikiAnwers" It's word from word

And you can go here http://singleparents.about.com/od/having... For the best answer to make sure. I would go to a police station and ask.

Answer 6

well i live in england and there are laws to protect children, i have 8 kids and i can leave my 15 daughter to babysit her brothers and sisters, and i also have a 14 year old daughter that can also look after them, but lower than 14 then i wouldnt allow them to babysit, but to be left while you pop pout to shop or something then id say from age 12 onwards.

Answer 7

There's not a law.  But if something were to happen you could be found negligent. They are considered minors until they are 17.  So if something were to happen to one of them (house burned down, they assaulted someone, wandering around, partying, etc.)

The police could file charges.  You have to check the maturity level of the child.   Some can stay home at 8 and run a whole household.  Others are  13, 14, 15 and above.  You have to check out your child.  Some are really scared and won't tell you until years later.

Answer 8

no there is no law. Only guidelines. There are only two states with laws regarding staying home alone and they are Maryland and Illinois.

You should base it more by maturity and readiness on the part of the child rather than age.

this website should be helpful

http://fcs.osu.edu/hdfs/parenting/HomeAl...

Answer 9

you really have to go by the individual child. age doesn't matter if your kid is a hellion and immature. if your child is responsible enough is what matters. how long are you leaving them? an hour or a full day or night? i'd say around 12 if the kid can handle it.

Answer 10

I don't believe there is any law, but we usually left our children alone for short periods of time when they knew where the circuit breakers were and the water shut-off valves.  They also had to have contact with at least one neighbor in case of an emergency.  With the availability of cell phones now...that is a good way to keep in contact.  Unlike when my children were little.  The maturity of the child is what a person should go by.  I left my 12 year olds alone for short periods, but there are some children I wouldn't trust at this age.  If something should happen to your child, however, when you are away, you can be charged with child neglect.  So be very wary of when you decide to do this.

Answer 11

There are guidelines that are established by the S.S. (Children's Services). I don't think there are any established laws though.

If younger siblings are involved, the eldest child has to be at least 13 I believe but don't quote me on that.

But no matter what their age is, don't leave them home alone for any reason, the S.S. will frown upon it and will have you charged for child neglect.