Should a 13 yr.old boy & 12 yr. old girl (brother & sister) by marriage, be allowed to stay home alone ?

Question

They would be home for about 7 hours every day over the Summer. I don't think it's a good idea. My husband thinks I'm ridiculous to be concerned. I just feel that kids are curious at that age and anything could happen. They have been around each other for 4 yrs. Am I just over reacting or do I have a legitimate concern ?

I should add that my 13yr. old is the son of my husband's previous marriage and the 12 yr. is my daughter. My son doesn't live with us.

Answer 1

That could be tricky. Yeah I understand where you are going with this idea. You have seen them playing together... you are the only who knows how they behave together...

I wouldn't think nothing could happen, but then again, as you said, at that age... kids are curious.

I would be more worried for the fact that they have an empty house for 7 hours... It's freedom for 7 hours! Is there any possible way for you to go have lunch at home?! At least, you could check on them during that lunch time.

Answer 2

I would be cautious, but only y'all could know how they act around each other.

Answer 3

I hear your question as a concern about their sexuality and you have good reason to be concerned. This is a very difficult age for all adolescents because they have no experience to call on when tough situations arise. They are naturally very curious about body changes and can be easily aroused by very minor behaviors by each other. It is enough that they be of opposite gender and alone in the same house. If they are unwise enough to invite friends over (for example, 2 boys and no other girls), things could get out of hand quickly.

Boredom is always a stimulus to mischief and they can find lots of ways to get into trouble that we can't even imagine. Summer is a time for many localities to have programs for kids where they could be with others doing interesting and fun things. Many animal shelters, libraries, churches, etc. have volunteer programs for teens. Perhaps your city has recreation programs this summer. Is there a local YMCA, club, or sports facility nearby with a summer program?

Regards,

Storknurse

Answer 4

It's too bad you should be concerned but that's called parenting. I'm sure if these children have been raised with good values then there shouldn't be anything to worry about, but however if they are left to their own judgment that is taking a risk. You should at least give them each a "To Do" list that will keep them occupied and help keep their minds from getting idle.

Answer 5

No, they should not be expected to fend for themselves . It is much too long . Kids at that age are very inventive and boredom causes problems. Believe me ,  at first they are too young and then they are too old.  Especially if they bring friends in . A compound fracture !  How about a summer camp for each in different places . Worked well for me  for two years in a row .

So, NO you are not over reacting . Get them a sitter .

Answer 6

You should atleast give them 1 chance!

Answer 7

I think that is too young to stay home alone for that long anyways unsupervised.  There are too many things in the world that can happen and not just with each other.  I would be worrying more about smoking, friends hanging out, alcohol, fires, watching TV all day, etc.

As far as something happening with your 2- well, if you have thought it then there must be some underlying reason why you think that, even if it is just an instinct.    I don't think most parents of kids related by marriage think that way.

Answer 8

I think that is too young also.

Answer 9

I think you are paranoid and what will happen between them will not be limited to when you are not home. I also think that if you are paranoid about this, I feel bad to how you act around them in other situations. I think you dont trust the boy and thats something you need to talk about with your husband.

Answer 10

I think if they are matur eenough, then it's ok.

I was left alone when I was about 6, because I grew uo with only my mother and she had to work.

I was perfectly alright

Answer 11

Curious?  You mean you are afraid they would do something with each other?  Unless they have shown signs of this in the past, I don't know why you should be worried.  They are siblings (by marriage) and I seriously doubt they see each other that way.

Answer 12

I wouldn't leave them alone, but more for fear of them getting into other kinds of trouble than necessarily with each other (although it is possible and it does happen). Can you find somewhere or something for them to do? How about somewhere they could volunteer? What about other friends that have stay at home parents? Leaving them home occasionally might be okay but I agree, all summer, all day long is a NO GO for them. This is how children become pregnant or involved with the wrong crowds and the parents are always "mystified" as to how this happened. Here's a thought, don't leave your teenage children home alone with that much freedom. THEY WILL get into trouble. It is not a question of IF? but WHEN?