At what age should a child be allowed to...?

Question

-stay home alone for a couple of hours?
-play outside, in the neighbourhood, unsupervised?
-walk to the store alone?

Not looking for right or wrong, just opinions and experiences. Thanks!

She's 10 and only plays on street with friends. Very mature and responsible. As for the store, it's 5-6 blocks away but as it is a gas station on a busy road I'm guessing she'll be at least 13 before I let her go - and only with a buddy.

Answer 1

It all depends on the maturity of that individual child. Some children can do these things at 8, some can't do them until they are teenagers. It also depends on the quality of the neighborhood that they are in.

Answer 2

well i was 7 when i stayed home alone for a couple of hours but i believe that 12 is a stay alone for a couple of hours and the age of playing outside in the neighborhood unsupervised is 10 but if there are other children out there at least 3 then it should be about 8 or 9 and walking to the store alone should be 12

Answer 3

Well I think that it depends on the child. Everyone has a different maturity level. Some children are responsible enough to stay home for a while on their own in the early preteens, while otheres can't handle it that early. Some 6 year olds are old enough to play outside without constant supervision, yet some will still run out into the road. The same thing goes for walking to the store alone. I remember going at the age of around 6, yet having a child nearing that age, I can see that that's not the case with her.

Answer 4

I have 3 kids and all I can say is that each kid matures differently and at different times so there is no set rule that fits all. How trustworthy is the biggest key, as well as how likely they are to respond appropriately to dangerous situations.

Some guidelines:
Play outside alone
- depends on the neighborhood and how close the neighbors with friends are. For example, we let our 6 yr old neice out alone because she isn't actually alone. Her friends are directly across the street and next door.
- when they can be trusted to follow your limits including under what conditions she may go inside a house, how often they have to check in with you, and crossing the street Probably somewhere between 5-8 for most kids.

Stay home alone
- Child understands how and when to use 911
- Has been given specific limitations on the use of cooking apparatus (for example, my 11 yr old can only use the microwave, and not the stove or oven when home alone)
- Is not afraid to be alone
- Can be trusted to follow house rules
Usually between 9-11 if just for a few hours

Walk to the store -
- depends on how far the store is AND the neighborhood.
- I don't let any of my preteens (under 13) do this alone, with friends..maybe

I just started letting my son walk or ride his bike to school alone this year (age 10) and it still makes me nervous and I'm in a great neighborhood.

Answer 5

It depends on the child, the neighbourhood and the store!

Some children are emotionally ready to stay home alone at 12. Some are not ready at 16. You know your child best.

Same for the other 2 questions. If you live in a dodgy area, then keep your child close. If you live in a nice suburb full of good families who look out for one anothers' kids, then you can be a little more lenient.

My daughters are 12 and 14, They stay home for hours at a time without problems. They do not leave our property (it's a farm) and there are no stores within walking distance, so it's not an issue.

You might feel safer if your child has a cell phone.

Answer 6

It really depends on the safety of your neighborhood.

1. If you live in a more dangerous neighborhood/ side of town, then she would probably be about 13 before staying home alone for a little while (she should stay inside with the doors locked). Plus, if she's home alone, she should only answer the phone if it is you or some other approved person (depending on if you have caller id). If she is going to be playing outside, then it would have to be with several other children, with at least one responsible adult. Maybe about 12. Consider getting her a cell phone for emergencies. I wouldn't allow her to walk to the store if it is on a busy street.

2. If you live in a medium to safe neighborhood, these restrictions should be lifted slightly, but be very cautious. There are lots of weirdos out in the world.

I'm 13, and my younger sister is 10, and we can stay home alone together for a few hours or more. We never play outside in the neighborhood unsupervised, but only elderly people live in our neighorhood anyway, and we live near a busy street even though we live in a nice neighborhood. We would never be allowed to walk to the store alone. These restrictions are put on us even in a small town and a nice neighborhood, because bad things happen to kids every day.

We take Tae Kwon Do so that we can defend ourselves, and we each have cell phones in case of emergencies. Whatever you do, think about your daughter's safety before what she "wants." Take care of her needs and take safety precautions.

Answer 7

12

Answer 8

like 10 or 11 for staying home alone and playing outside unsupervised and walking to the store alone mostly depends on maturity i mean an 8yr. old could be way more mature than another 8 yr. old

Answer 9

12

Answer 10

I have 5 kids. It depends on their individual maturity level.
My 15 year old stepson, I don't trust for a second at home alone. My 15 year old daughter, I trust completely. My 16 fine at home. MY 11 year old fine at home for a couple hours at a time. Just use your best judgement. We live in the country so out in the neighborhood isn't possible. I would let them play outside unsupervised since my oldest was 5ish. He is very mature for his age.

Answer 11

well it really depends on how the child matures,so mature faster than others.

to stay home alone for a couple of hours age 12-13
play outside unsupervised probably 9 or 10
walk to the store alone about 12