What do you think about leaving an 8 year old and a 6 year old home alone from 9 pm to 3 am?

Question

Do you think it's okay because they're sleeping? For info: the mom works graveyard and dad is not in the home but has to work at 4 am every day so he can't keep them and get them to school. It's impossible to find the kind of daycare hours they need. The kids are pretty smart and independent. What would you say to the parents? Please be serious and honest...I know what I think but want other opinions. Thanks.

Answer 1

8 and 6???  id want cps called and these kids taken to a proper home where they will be taken care of.

Answer 2

8 is way too young.

Answer 3

That is a very bad idea.  So many things could happen during this time.  What if the house catches on fire?  What if someone broke in?

You might even want to check your states law because this could be illegal and considered neglect.

Answer 4

I think it's a crazy thing to do. Just because a child might be independent and smart enough to call 911 doesn't mean that they should be allowed to stay by themselve. What is they wake up and get scared who is there to help them? Most states say that you have to be 11 to stay alone and 12-13 to watch another child.  If Dept. of Child Welfare finds out they could take the kids. WHY RISK IT?

Answer 5

No i would not leave an 8 and 6 year old home alone, even if they are responsible.  When you have kids, you have to take these things into consideration, ie what your hours of work are.  I would consider looking for another job.

Answer 6

I think CPS should be called because if an emergency happens or someone say, breaks into the house, what then? HOW the h**l would a 8 year old have a clear enough mind to get themself and the 6 year old out of the situation safely? That's just negligent at best and the parents need to shift their schedules and if they can't, need to find accomodating jobs or live off a single income, and it is NOT impossible to do, it's about priorities and budgetting.

Answer 7

I really don't think its a good idea. If an emergency were to happen, like a fire, the 8 yr old is not old enough to know to get out. At that age, they are more likely to hide. And what if there is a home invasion? They have no way of knowing how to protect themselves! Lets say there is a storm or even just a nightmare, imagine how terrified they would be waking up with no adult to run too! Jus my opinion.

Answer 8

I would tell them they are crazy. What if someone broke into the house, what if there were a fire, what if something happened and law enforcement had to be called and found out the children were home by themselves. What if someone calls CPS? there is too much that can go wrong. No, it is too early. My 2 youngest are 7&8, and I can't leave them home alone long enough to drop their dad off at work and come home because I am so worried something will happen and I won't be there to protect them. I know she feels like she don't have a choice but if something happens she will have to live with the guilt for the rest of her life. If daddy can't be no more help so mommy can work, then he need to start kicking out more child support. If she is good at her job, she needs to talk to someone and get a different shift. We have 24hr day caress where I am and I am in the sticks.

Answer 9

I wouldn't because they're not going to know what to do in an emergency situation. one of the parents needs to be there. they're probably ok if they're sleeping, but you shouldnt take the chance. an 8 year old shouldnt be left in charge of a 6 year old. they're kids and need a parent there for security reasons.  

Answer 10

for one a would call it child neglect and so would the authorities.

No child at that age should be left at home sleeping or not.  Anything can happen.

As for what I think the parents shouldn't have kids if they can not care for them after-all whats more important than children.  And if they did leave them alone both should be sent to jail for neglect or they should find more suitable employment.

Answer 11

I do not think that's a good idea and your children can be taken from you by cps if you are caught. What if their was a fire? someone gets sick, or a break in. What if one has a nightmare and just needs comfort only to find mommy and daddy not home.  so many things can go wrong. They have to be at least 12.

Answer 12

yea that cool just leave them some snacks

Answer 13

No, not a good ideal its against the law its called neglect of a dependent, or child endangerment !!!!!!

Answer 14

The kids may be pretty smart and independent, but their age could be a factor, if say, someone broke in or the house caught fire. God forbid, anything like that happens, but they don't have the mental capability to make mature judgments. I wouldn't leave my kids when they were that age, for know other reason than, kids will be kids.

Answer 15

I would not get a nanny or a babysitter do not take the chance i started staying home alone with my 15 yr old brother was when i was 12 he started staying home alone alone when he was 13 so do not tak that chance they are to young if tere's a imargency i think there is a law that you have to be a certain age and you can be pressed with chartges its like parental abuse

Answer 16

Horrible idea! That's illegal!

Answer 17

dont do that its not very nice  

Answer 18

Dangerous, neglectful, and probably illegal.  

Get a teenager to sleepover.  I used to do that, when I was in high school - made a few extra dollars for very little work, but gave 3rd shift mom peace of mind.  I'd get there after working my shift at Dairy Queen, just as mom was leaving.  I'd wake the kids & get them (and myself) ready for school, then mom would get home in time to see them off.  

Edit to add: Why can't the kids go sleep over at the aunt's house?

Answer 19

Never because what if the house catches on fire and you are not there? What if someone breaks in...what if one has a siezure...just for emergency situations..I would say its not ok until they are like 16...

Answer 20

uhh i really don't think thats a good idea! 8 year is taking care of a 6 year old?? Maybe you should rethink about this, because you feel really guilty if something were to happen

Answer 21

If the aunt only lives next door and is willing to keep an eye on the kids, why can't she come stay those hours at the kid's house?  Understandable that she doesn't want them in her house with the pets and lack of space, but if she lets the dogs out just before 9 and as soon as she gets home she could just sleep on the sofa.  Not sure how child care supplements work in your state, but in Mich. you can have a family member watch your kids and if your income qualifies you, the state will pay them to do so. (usually around $5.00/ hour for two kids, but that's still $30/ night to sleep and make sure everyone is okay).  Just a suggestion.

Answer 22

what if the house caught on fire no I don't think it is ok  besides I don't like being alone myself at 47 those hours.

Answer 23

I would try to find someone to help you out with the kids because if you leave them at night home alone you are risking getting your kids taken away or worse. I don't think that it would be safe for you to leave them home alone.  

Answer 24

yea child endangerment...........man what are you parents thinking. your stupid.

Answer 25

Bad idea. Something really dangerous could happen. Robbery, fire, natural disaster (I know that's a stretch), thunder storm, anything. I would not chance it. Look what happened to little Madeline McCann.

Answer 26

No, I don't think it is a good idea at all.  You are asking an 8 year old to mature up and be responsible for anything and everything that can happen at night.  Emergencies can and do occur and so do house break in's.  Always go for the safe side and get a sitter.

Answer 27

I do not think it is a good idea no matter the maturity level of the children. There are a lot of things that can happen during the evening hours (emergencies, unexpected visitors, crime etc.) I strongly believe it to be irresponsible on the parents' behalf. If I were to run across the situation personally, I would contact the authorities ASAP.

Answer 28

If found out, the mom has a good chance of being on the news while the police takes her away.  The parents need to work something out.  Like the mom staying at the dad's until it is time to take the kids to school.  It can work.