2006-08-24 15:24:45 · 31 answers · asked by lanena423 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
You need to call or go online and check with your Department of Human Services or whatever agency your state has. The maturity level or how long you'll be gone won't matter if you don't follow state guidelines. You can be charged with endangerment or other things. Another thing to think about, what will that child do if something happens to you and they're alone?? I know people think it's morbid, but most accidents happen less than 2 miles from home.
Please get info from you local or state agency to find out. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Good luck!!
2006-08-24 15:41:03 · answer #1 · answered by HEartstrinGs 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was a latch key kid at 8,but I'm also 28 now and laws have changed. I have an 8yr old now my self and we live in an apt building with a laundry room 26 feet from our apt.He is left alone long enough for me to load and un load the washer/dryer.
However I will not be leaving him to go to the gas station 1/3 mil from our apt and back till age 10.Even though he's the most adult acting/thinking 8 yr old any one has ever met I worry about emergency's and that some one may break in and other apt's in the building catching fire.
At age 12 I'll probably leave him alone for 20 min tops and at 14 for 2hrs tops. I live in Ar. and have a police officer as a apt manager/neighbor.
2006-08-24 21:04:26 · answer #2 · answered by foxxynatasha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the state you live in. Alot of places its 12 or 13. I was left alone with my little sister when we were younger when I was 10. But that was after my mom passed away and my dad was an alcoholic and that was more important at the time. Be smart about it. I wouldn't leave my kids alone at all for any amount of time. Do you know the possibilities of an accident or a crime to happen within seconds that you leave the house?!
2006-08-24 15:44:27 · answer #3 · answered by missbehave252002 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends a lot on the maturity of the child, but ask yourself a couple of questions first.
1. Can my child use the phone easily and correctly, even when dialing an unfamiliar number?
2. Is there a neighbor NEAR-BY who my child can call at any time if he/she has a question or a problem?
If the child has a reliable back-up system and has shown ability to cope on his own, then he will be ok on his own for a little while.
2006-08-24 17:10:55 · answer #4 · answered by Puzzler 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
After running a childrens' nursery for 5.5 years, I can honestly say that you run risks leaving a child for any (underlined) length of time: you just simply can never realise just what they can get up to, even in a few seconds that might make all the difference to their safety. I am sorry; but that is the honest truth! Now that my daughter is 16, we sometimes go shopping without her during the day; she doesn't always want to come; but she does know enough now to be feeling alright about it, as do we! But I would feel distinctly uncomfortable if she was below the age of say, 13 years. You may be surprised by this; but I had a few experiences that gave me a very cold hard wake up to this reality!
2006-08-24 15:34:48 · answer #5 · answered by Bluebells21 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I occasionally let my oldest daughter stay home at the age of 10 while I ran a quick errand but it was not more then 10-15 minutes. She is now 12 and I will let her stay home alone for about an hour. If I have alot to do, she has to come with me.
2006-08-25 05:02:01 · answer #6 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel 13... But thats just in my opinion... That way they know how to look after themselves and are at an age where they can understand stranger danger and things like that... I dont think you should ever leave a child under this age at home for any period of time...
2006-08-24 15:30:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This depends on your child's maturity...i was babysitting infants at 12 years old, but wouldn't trust my 15 year old nephew with a 3 year old....I would say 12 and up is about the right time...have convo's with your kids about "what if" scenarios (answering door, cooking, etc)...give them tasks to see their responsibility level...and then start off with short trips...like 10 minutes to the store, 20 min..and gradually build up
2006-08-24 16:34:34 · answer #8 · answered by Erving Princess 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didn't start leaving them alone until they were 12 years old. It depend on mainly their maturety level. So kids act mature then others I have 2 14 yr opld boy and one I can leave alone with not worries and one I can't
2006-08-24 15:28:10 · answer #9 · answered by keith_r83 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For a quick trip to the store for a few things. I'd say 10 or 11. For a few hours, I'd say 13. Depends on how mature your child is also.
2006-08-24 15:28:10 · answer #10 · answered by Lissa 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋