At what age do you feel it's appropriate to leave your children home alone?

Question

My daughter is 12 years old and feels she is old enough to watch her 7 year old brother for a couple of hours once in awhile.

Answer 1

Well, I guess it's all relative, really. If you're daughter is mature for her age, and demonstrates an ability to make appropriate decisions, then, if only for a couple hours here and there, it's likely okay. This would really depend on how responsible you think your daughter is, and how comfortable you are leaving her at home alone with a sibling. How your daughter interacts with your son would also be a big factor.

I was 11 when I first started staying home alone after school, and 14 when I started minding my brother (10) during summer vacations while my parents were at work. Of course, we were both boys and lived in a relatively safe neighborhood. We had rules, and a means by which our parents could check that they were followed...but it was a good learning experience for me and a good introduction into the world of adult reponsibilities.

So, ultimately, it really depends on your comfort level, how responsible you think your children are, and whether this is something that fits into your style of child rearing.

My suggestion is, if you're still questioning whether you should or not, or still feeling uncomfortable, then don't.

If you're only asking because you're not sure how others will view it, then I say you do what YOU feel is best. You are the parent responsible for raising your children, and as long as you don't run afoul of any local laws...if you feel it's okay, then it probably is.

Answer 2

The age limit will vary by state. I would check the law on appropriate age. Does she stay at home by herself? You need to take into account the maturity level of your daughter as well. If she is 12 in age, but 15 in maturity, maybe if you start out with 10-15 minutes and build up. So you both feel comfortable! After all your 7 year old will tell on her if anything goes wrong!! That's what baby brothers are for!! :) I know the times have changed, we would have baby sat other kids by 12-13, but the world was much different then! I think you have to rely on your instincts. If given the chance to take on responsibility, she will prove to be responsible. Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Is she mature enough? Does she normally abide by your rules?

You want to make sure she doesn't get distracted by computers, where the 7 yr old can wander off, or put themselves in harms way.

Second, go over every scenario possible, proper way to answer phone (questions about speaking to Mom or Dad-so they don't divulge that are home alone). People knocking on the door. Fire escape plans. It wouldn't hurt to have even a neighbor just watch the house, as you tell them you are trusting your daughter for a couple of hours.

Many years ago, my sister and her husband wanted to see how their two boys would react when someone came to the front door, as all friends and family always came to the back, it was night, next thing they were confronted with was their house dog-a growling german shephard the boys had let out the back.

Answer 4

That sounds like the right age to leave them for a couple hours at a time here and there. You have to take into consideration how mature and responsible your daughter is when making this decision. Also, how behaved is your seven year old and can your daughter control him.
I would start off at first by leaving them alone while I ran quick errands during the day and see how they do. And when you do leave them, make sure they have your cell phone number so they can contact you in case there's any emergency.

Answer 5

well when i was younger I was left home after school for 2 hours. I had strict rules such as no phone and no going outside. I didnt have any siblings to watch tho.

I do leave my stepson 12, at home with my 6 year old for a hour if I go to the grocery store. I really trust him. He is a good kid, and a great big brother.

he has been staying home by himself after school until his mom gets off work at 330. so its probably about an hour for him with his other little brother who is 8

Answer 6

I think alot of this depends on the maturity of your children.
I believe here your child can be left unattended for short periods of time after the age of 10 but not have to care for a younger sibling.
At 12 Iyears old believe you can leave the 12 yr old in charge of a youger sibling for short amounts of time.
I personally wouldnt leave them alone for anymore then 1 - 2 hours, always have a number they can reach you, a neibour on stand-by, & other emergency contact numbers.

Good Luck

Add on: Maybe start with leaving them for short trips to the grocery store or short errands, kind of as a test... see how they make out.
Do they argue and fight?

Answer 7

I say thats old enough to watch her younger bother. Just make sure she has all the important numbers. You probably might want to also think about giving her some $$ for watching her brother this will probably get her thinking that she could do babysitting on the weekends for others too. Plus it will make her understand that she can earn $$ while doing this too and probably wouldn't be to bad of an idea during the summer time.

Answer 8

You know your kids best. Can she? Try leavin them for only 10 minutes first, then come home. If everything was ok, be gone 15 minutes the next time, then 30 min etc. Don't tell them exacty when you are coming home (or come home earlier than you told them) so you can see what's going on. Give her other reponsibilities so she can prove to you that she can handle this (like chores, dishes, laundry, vacuuming, etc.) Tell her that if she proves her responsibiliy there then you will see that she is responsible enough to stay home alone. Call and check on them when you are gone and ask how things are going. This is an experiment. Talk to her in advance about how to handle phone calls or doorbell rings when you are away.

Answer 9

At 12 with a 7 year old and ONLY for a couple of hours I think it's OK. Make sure you take your cell phone with you and it's on at all times, even if you put it in vibration. Give her a list of numbers to call in case of emergency, like your parents or a trusted friend. And make sure they have food prepared before you leave.

Answer 10

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