Can I leave the children to be looked after by themselves for 3 days?

Question

I'm 26.I'm not married(a widow).I have 3 children - 2 girls,ages 10 and 4 and a boy,age 7.My and my dead husband's parents and relatives are in Europe(I live in the states).I don't have anyone to leave the kids for a few days.I have to go on an interview for a really good job,but it's in Spain and I can't get the kids with me.I don't have a reliable friend to leave them to be looked after and I can't get a baby-sitter,because here baby-sitters are too expensive to get.I ask if I can leave them at home for 3 days,while I'm in Spain.The oldest is 10 years old and she is really responsible for her age.If I give her some money and instructions what to do(and of course my cellphone number),can I leave them home?

Answer 1

It's called Child Abandonment....and if anyone near you knows what's happening, and where you're going....when you arrive back home, you're liable to be picked up by the police and put in jail. No matter HOW responsible your 10 year old is...it is NOT LEGAL to leave any child under the age of 13 alone for any length of time! And when they're 13, you're only allowed to leave them a couple of hours!

I have to ask...where is your brain on this one? The job interview is in Spain? Either you take them with you, or give up the interview, or make other arrangements for a telephone interview! If you asked those who are giving the interview for one, and give them the circumstances with your children, I'm sure that between you both you could figure something out.

And really....your place is WITH your children, not gallivanting around the world on interviews, no matter how great the job might be! Shame for even THINKING about going without making sure they're taken care of first!

Answer 2

Have you asked whether it is possible to do a webcam interview instead? If they are not happy with you having responsibilities now then there is little chance that they will be easy going once you are in the position and need to tend to your kids. Even if you trust her to bits, it is a big ask of a ten year old to run a household, even for three days, because that is like an eternity to a child. Sometimes you need to let oppurtunity pass you by. There is always something else that comes along, often better than what you think is the best right now. If you REALLY think that you will get the job then a baby-sitter to stay with the kids will seem like money well spent later on and I'm sure it will ease your mind to know that somebody else is watchng over them.

Answer 3

according 2 the official line u can leave a child alone as long as they're responsible enough.
only gets awkward when u leave more than 1.
so the oldest is 10 and ur leaving her in-charge of a 4 and a 7 year old?
i'd say pay some1 2 look after them, 2 b on the safe side, u don't want 2 lose ur kids!

Answer 4

Sure you can, if you want to go to jail.

Even if your 10 year old is really responsible for her age, there is no way it would be fair to leave her in charge of two other children. She would not have the maturity to take care of them, especially if something went wrong. I mean, come on, it's not like you're leaving them and going down the block, you're leaving the country.

I sympathize with the position, I really do. Perhaps you can contact the Department of Children And Family Services, and inquire into respite care. They might be able to provide a place to watch your children while you are away.

Good Luck to you.

Answer 5

Sister girl you have LOST it!!! Why not just go ahead and put them up for adoption? And don't say -- OH NO! I would never give away my babies! Cause honey if they are fortunate someone will call family and children services and they will take those babies and put them in foster care -- AND THEY SHOULD!!! I just know this must be a goof question - what kind of mother would even consider this - much less ask people for their opinion -- what exactly did you think we would say? Hey! Yeah a 10 year old is perfectly capable to administer CPR in an emergency. Sure, I just KNOW she is mature enough to make sure everyone is fed, bathed, and tucked in at night. Gosh you know how important it is to have a great self rewarding career, Just think of the material things we could have! And isn't that just the MOST important thing for kids. Oh and gee, it something horrible and terrible happens, I'll just stay in Spain with my wonderful job!

I'm stopping now, This is no way to begin a Sunday morning. Forgive me, I should not be so judgmental, but you asked our opinion and I have given you mine

I will be praying for your children, I will ask for prayer for them at our church. I will also pray for you, and for me..

Answer 6

Leaving the oldest at 10 years old to take care of the other children can land you in jail for child abandonment. Don't be that foolish. The law will not side with you on this, no matter how responsible you think the 10 year old is.

Answer 7

I would not leave my children alone for a day ~ let alone 3, your moral instinct should explain that this is not a remedy to satisfy your own greed.
Forget about the job interview ~ you have a responsibility to your children to secure their safety.
You are the parent ~ put yourself in the shoes of your 10 year old!
That is an awful lot of responsibility to place on a 10-year old...
What if you become involved in a serious incident ~ who ~ how ~ what is going to support your incompetence - or should I say NEGLIGENCE???

Answer 8

I'm sorry by my first reaction to that question would be what are you crazy!! A 10 year old is not old enough let alonee mature enough to take care of herself let alon 2 other children for 3 days. where do you live? There are places that can help you find a job within your home area. You can look up on the computer job recruiting places like Lloyd staffing and they don't even charge you a fee to search for jobs for you. My husband is a recruiter to Lloyd staffing. Try to look them up on the computer. Good luck!

Answer 9

No....not until one is at least 14 years old.
If you leave them on their own, you risk them being in the custody of the state when you return.

Surely there is some option. Do you go to church? Maybe there is a church family who could watch them for you?

Talk to someone at their school. Maybe they would have an idea for you.

Talk to the people who want to interview you about your situation. Maybe they want you bad enough to either 1. pay you for a sitter or 2. pay for plane tickets for the kids or 3. do a phone interview.

Answer 10

Absolutely not! Even a very mature 10 year old is too young to be left alone for more than a few hours, and to care for a 2 and 4 year old for even a whole day is way too long! You would most definitely lose your children if you were to leave them alone like that.