When i was in the 5th grade i was able to stay home alone while my parents worked and afterschool. Are those days gone where we cant do the same for our children? Are we bad parents for doing so?
2006-08-08 02:05:50 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
It depends on maturity. I think a 10 year old should be able to stay home for a few hours by him/her self. I think if the kid is capable of dialing 911, you have nothing to worry about.
2006-08-08 02:10:52 · answer #1 · answered by The Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some kids in this age group that could handle an hour or two during the day but I would not feel comfortable with more than that. There are others this age that probably couldn't handle it at all. It really depends on the maturity of your child. Kids this age are very impulsive and easily influenced by their peers and things they see on television. I know we stayed home by ourselves at an earlier age - but things really have changed in the last few years. There are more and more child predators out there and more that children are exposed to via the Internet. If you are leaving your child at home for long periods of time - you should be aware that should something happen or should a neighbor report you, child services could get involved. In most states children cannot be left alone if they are under the age of 12. If you are leaving your child while you work, leaving them alone at night, or leaving younger children in their care it might create problems for you.
2006-08-08 02:18:21 · answer #2 · answered by arkiemom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is all going to depend on the child and their upbringing, I was babysitting when I was in fifth grade, but then when I reached 6th and 7th grade, I ran away from the bus hid in the woods till my parents left then went home, back to sleep and what ever else my heart desired. I have come to the conclusion that if I have a child, I will be home for good. I will raise my child not anyone else (daycare or the poor school systems). I suggest if this isn't an option find them something to do after school, dance classes, acting classes, swimming lessons. reduce the amount of time spent alone. the less time available, the less trouble can be caused. good luck
2006-08-08 02:14:27 · answer #3 · answered by sisy j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An 11 year old can babysit other children (according to the Red Cross Babysitter's Course) As far as I know you can leave a 10 yr old home alone during the day for a few hours at a time.
2006-08-08 02:11:51 · answer #4 · answered by cheryl16k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In 5th grade I think its ok to be alone for a while, but not a whole day. By 5th grade its time to strat trusting children and giving them more responsibility. It should be safe as long as they know basic things like don't open the door for strangers and how to call 911. A whole day alone, though, is too much.
2006-08-08 02:11:46 · answer #5 · answered by Christina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the maturity level of the child. If you have drilled into there head, don't answer the door for strangers, what to do in case of an emergency, etc... and you feel they can handle this I don't see why not. My brother and I were left home alone for a few hours after school around this age. He is four years older than me, but at the time it was more like I was in charge until Mom got home, because I was the more mature child. Example, our house caught on fire. I went to exit the house as we were taught, but my brother called my Aunt to ask what to do. She told him to get out and I told him to get out so we both got out and were fine...but you can see where you need to make sure your child understands what to do in situations when you are not around.
2006-08-08 02:15:59 · answer #6 · answered by Sherry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The law states that at age 10 a responsible child can be left alone at home.
2006-08-08 02:10:25 · answer #7 · answered by crazy puppy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that leaving your 5th grader home alone is such a good idea. There are still things that the kid doesn't know about. What if something happens and they don't know what to do??
You definitely should wait a few more years..until then, send the kid to a friends house or get a baby sitter!
2006-08-08 02:12:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the child. Some children are ready to stay at home and can be safe and trusted, but others are not. I think as a parent, you will know when it's okay to leave your child at home. If you feel comfortable, then I'm sure your child will be just fine.
2006-08-08 02:11:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I watch 2 of my grandchildern 1 is 13 and the other 10. I would never leave them alone, the world has changed and its not safe! I guess their parents think so to because they have me watching them.
2006-08-08 02:11:49 · answer #10 · answered by KIM A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋