My kids are home alone?

Question

I am a divorced dad

The court awarded my X the kids most of the time with me only having visitation. My concern is she has a boyfriend and is not home at night with kids and they are alone most of the time. They are 9,13, 16 but I am a bit worried about it, shoule I?

Answer 1

not necessarily. they are old enough "to be left alone". you should be glad she's not bringing him home...

Answer 2

Well legally the 16 can watch them so they can be alone.  I know you are worried but, I guess you could call for a good night call there is not much you can do.  

But I know teenagers can start to get into things when they are not supervised properly.

Answer 3

If the 16 year old is responsible there really shouldn't be any problem. Is she always out because of work or to party two completely different reasons. Dont use your kids to control your ex wife it will come back to get you in the end. If your truly concerned for the children try talking with their mom. lots of luck.

Answer 4

At 16, it is legal to leave the child alone with babysitting all night.  Talk to your kids and see if they are uncomfortable with this situation.  If so, try talking to ex and see if she can drop them off with you when she wants to go out.

Answer 5

im guessing the eldest is responsible and watches the young ones?

if not, you should be.

maybe consider asking her to hire a babysitter.

Answer 6

It is so hard watching your ex move on with her life and making choices you dont agree with.  The reason you are divorced is cause you couldnt agree, it doesnt change after the divorce.  It is so important that you dont bad mouth their mother or talk about how you dont approve of things she does in front of the kids. That will be a challenge especially when she does really bad choices. For example you have no control over who she dates, when she dates, or if she even lives with a bf.  

According to DCFS, a child is able to stay home alone at age l0 if they are able to make decisions about what to do in an emergency.

What do you mean by "not home at night"?and "most of the time"  Do you mean occasionally or do you mean weekly ...5 or more days a week?

If it is 5 or more a week you may have a good chance to get custody.  Your kids are old enough to testify in court.  

But if there is no abuse or neglect going on it will just cost you alot of money and be fruitless.

Are you truly concerned about their safety or do you jsut want to get back at your ex?