law re: leaving children home alone for brief periods what ages and what about latchkey kids??

Answer 1

Every state has it's own idea of how old a child needs to be if they are left alone. You should check your states laws about this, but... even if your child is at an age that they can be left alone... you always have to ask yourself if they are responsible enough to be left alone.

Answer 2

I don't know what the law states really, but I think 12 and older is fine to leave at home alone. I would say the same thing about kids not going to latchkey. I think 12 and older can be responsible enough to let themselves in with a key getting off the bus, but I probably wouldn't want a 12 year old watching younger siblings.

Answer 3

I believe that it depends on which state you live in but my guess would be 12 years old is young enough to be left alone for a brief period of time! I would not recommend leaving children under 14 alone for long periods of time!
I believe that more schools today are dealing with the latchkey kid problem by providing safe after school alternatives for these children!

Answer 4

Not a good idea in today's world. Hell, it wasn't even safe when my Mother did it to me in the 60's! I had my own key when I was 6 & I got into so much trouble with older kids who would bring thier own trouble over to my house & since I was an only child, who do you think got blamed? Me & only ME! I was sexually molested by men posing as door-to-door salesmen & this caused even more grief for my Mother, who was having a difficult time being a "divorcee" (we didn't use the term single-mom). I was fair game for the sickos & although I made it through with counseling & years of self healing, I went in the complete opposite direction with my own child & never ever left her alone or with strangers. You should try to find a happy medium that is safe for the child & the parent alike!

Answer 5

I personally would say about age 12 or so, and you should also have a few Easy Mac's or something easy to make in the microwave, just in case they get hungry.

I remember it was a problem the first few times i stayed home alone at around age 9 or something. I was always hungry but i had to wait for my mom to come home, and make me something.

Just be sure, they know what to do, just incase something happens, give them some phone numbers that may come in handy.

-Edward

Answer 6

There are only two states that actually have laws with specific ages (Illinois – 14 and Maryland – 8).
All other states have guidelines and recommendations given by the state’s child protective services.

Answer 7

I don't think that children are able to watch themselves until they are about 12 or 13.
If you are just running to the store and will be back in say...30 to 45 minutes then maybe 10 or 11.

Answer 8

where i live there is no age limit, you have to use your own judgement and they always have to be able to get a hold of you. my youngest is 8 and i know he will be fine, he has my cell number adn i am never to far away. also teach them not to open the door to strangers and never let anyone know they are home alone if they are asked on the phone. take care and use your own judgement. hope everything works out for you and i hope this helped.