2006-08-21 09:55:35 · 9 answers · asked by boredism 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Depends on the jurisdiction, but in many places it's 12 years old. Any younger and the parent or guardian is guilty of endangerment.
Each situation has to be individually considered, obviously. An 11-year-old can be left for short while; a 12-year-old can't be left for a day and a night.
2006-08-21 10:01:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My question to you is, for how long? I've left my older son alone for short trips (less than an hour) since he was 8. Now he's 11 and I wouldn't have any qualms about leaving him several hours. He has both my and my husband's cell phone numbers and knows not to answer the door or phone unless he recognizes who it is (he can see through the peephole in the door). Lots of people leave their 8 year olds home alone after school for 2-3 hours until they get home from work.
If it's an overnight thing, I'd probably wait until he was at least 13 or 14, maybe older. Of course, it's really up to the parents' discretion. I've seen very mature 13 year olds and very immature 15 year olds.
2006-08-21 17:18:01 · answer #2 · answered by homeschoolmom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
12
2006-08-21 17:02:08 · answer #3 · answered by Prep♥™ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually about 13-14 is a good age to stay home alone. This decision is at the parent's discretion and depends on the child. If the kid was an irresponsible 13y/o I wouldn't let them stay home alone.
2006-08-21 17:03:13 · answer #4 · answered by Rawrrrr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you feel mature enough, then you can stay home alone. But at least be 12 years old, nothing younger...
2006-08-21 17:02:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of kids have been one their own since 10 years old.
Their parents just didn't want them anymore or they were taking drugs and the children were just taken away. So at the age of 10 we were watching and taking care of the kids younger than us.
That had been abandon. Unfortunately all children don't have as concerned parents as you sound like you are. By sixteen we know all the ropes and have learned to fight pretty well.
2006-08-21 17:19:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your state laws.
If you were my child you wouldn't be home alone until the age of 12.
2006-08-21 17:02:25 · answer #7 · answered by Smitty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Andy is about correct and that is what the courts have generally said, though you can leave any age child inappropriately supervised, like the parents who left their kids home while they went on a 2 week vacation to the Caribbean. They were arrested and brought back!
You need to use some common sense!
2006-08-21 17:12:52 · answer #8 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i say 16 but for a female 18. now i am thinking about it i will not leave my kids alone until they are 21 because there are crazy , psycho, raping, cannibals,pedophiles, and murderers in this crazy world. i want them to be old enough to at least defend themselves.
2006-08-21 17:03:45 · answer #9 · answered by averilyn06 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋