What is a good age for kids to stay home alone?

Question

I work overnights, and I have a 13 year old, is that too young to be left alone?

Answer 1

i would not think all night (with you working all night) would be that wise... if anything make sure that you have a neighbor keep an eye on the house and let your 13 yr old know that the house is being watched and that he cannot be out of the house past a certain time...

Answer 2

Im fourteen and ive been left home alone since i was 11

thirteen is defff old enough to be left alone

Answer 3

13 is fine to be left home alone during the day, if they are independent & responsible & you trust them. Home alone overnight, i would say 13 is too young.

Answer 4

Mature and responsible, yes.  

Throw parties and hang out late, don't do it.

Answer 5

not at all. my mom left me home for weeks on my own at thirteen. if u worry i would just call and check up a couple times at night.

Answer 6

i have been left at home since i was 10 so i think 13 is a good age for overnight just make sure child is responsible and have someone you trust watch the house.

Answer 7

yeah 11

Answer 8

My parents were never very worried about that and i've been left at home alone since 9.But that was with my brothers but one was 10 the other 4 so it's not like they were protecting me! yes that sounds fine.

p.s. If your leaving that child overnight make sure you tell your nabors so they can watch the house that's what my mom did.Also, make sure your child is responsible

Answer 9

im 13 ive been left alone since i was 11 its fine if u really scared ask them to bring 1 friend over

Answer 10

i was being left alone at the age of 9 with an 11 year old sister. but my mom talked to neighbors (she trusted) and just told them to keep an eye on us.

Answer 11

I think overnight is a tough one.  And I'm not sure of the laws in all the states either.  You would be held responsible if something happened while you were gone.  But, if you must I guess you could take the proper precautions.  Like, letting a neighbor know about the situation so your kid go to there in an emergency.  Making sure your child knows what to do in all types of emergencies like injuries, bad weather, someone trying to get in the house.  Make sure you have set rules for answering the door and phone, etc.  I guess it all depends on the kid and how well you think they will do.

Answer 12

I think at least 12 years old and up as long as they act mature.  Since you do work at a Police Department I would call every so often just to check and possibly on your break check up on him.  Also, maybe a faithful neighbor could be checking up on him if you feel comfortable with that.

Answer 13

Overnight meaning you're gone all night long? If it's a boy I'd say it's probably alright. But I'd wait a few years for a girl.

I started staying home by myself during the day when I was around 10 or 11. The latest I've ever been left alone by myself is 11 p.m.

Answer 14

if you think the kid is responsible enough, knows all the emergency phone #'s and your work #, then it's fine.  some kids even babysit at that age.

Answer 15

As long as your child is mature enough to be left alone then it will be fine. Just make sure that they know what to do in an emergency and have someone to call if they need help.

Answer 16

I would say yes, imagine the things she could do with no one home at night. Even a very good girl can get into trouble.

Answer 17

depends how you 13 year old acts

Answer 18

Not at all. He probably knows what to do in an emergency, lock up the house, and what not.  As long as he feels safe and you feel good about it, it shouldn't be a problem.