What age is old enough to stay home? In the state of Florida there no limit to an age to stay home.?

Question

I have a 10 8 6 yr old they are very independent for their ages but Im a little worried about leaving them home for 1 hr a day when I start working. Is it bad to do so at those ages

And I do have a cell phone for them in case somthing happens. and they do know how to use it.

Answer 1

I'm a mother of an advanced 5 year old, so I understand the concern. I would say if it's only an hour a day I would trust the 10 year old to stay at home by himself, & the yunger kids if you leave the 10 year old in charge of them. You should probaly pay your oldest a little money for baby-sitting. Remember to leave your work number & emergency instructions even though it's only for an hour. Also it's a good idea to leave things your children can keep themselvs occupide with untill you come home.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if there is a legal age to leave children home alone here in New England, but I started with my own child when he was 9 years old. I got sick of being on state assistance, and had no help with the raising of my child. I always made sure he had a way to contact me, other family members, and emergency situations, like 911, and his doctors' phone numbers. By age 10, I felt he was mature enough to have a house key, and knew what to do in case an emergency came up, so that I could go back into the work force.

Answer 3

I can't recommed that you left them, but I undersatnd your dillema when you leave them for that hour how far are you going
and the person that will get home to take of them is he or she reliable, can you ask to start work later maybe 30mn late
if you have no resolution
I think I have one
buy a headset for your cell phone and keep them on the phone with you until the other person get home
that way you are at peace and make sure that all doors are lock
don't even check the door if someone is knocking
because I am sure that the person who is comming to stay with them have a key
The rest I sure you know
no fire
no shower (they might open the water too hot or fall in the tub)
only home work and T.V
Hope you find a peace and help
Good luck

Answer 4

3

Answer 5

There's a couple of websites that have questions a parent should ask themselves before leaving the kids home alone. FL doesn't have an age set in stone, but suggests 12 is about right. 1 hour isn't very long. Just make sure they have emergency contact numbers, know what to do in case of an emergency and know the door should never be opened to anyone, even if it's Jesus himself knocking, without talking to you first.

Answer 6

I believe it depends on the maturity and sex of the child (is that sexist?), and on the location and surroundings of "home". Seventy years ago, in our country town, I would be left home alone for a few hours when aged five or six. I had some scary times although proud of earning the confidence my parents had in me. I would not do the same to my own kids - especially on an isolated farm. However, my daughter, a psychiatrist, leaves her twin boy and girl aged 13 alone on their farm. They are very mature, intelligent, and resourceful kids, well trained in the family tradition of independence. However, I think that's too young for a kid alone, these days. Perhaps one should talk to the children themselves, and try out short periods of an hour or so to begin with. Responsibility, and soundly based self-confidence, are learned skills, requiring practice. Looking after two younger kids could be demanding on a ten-y-o.

Answer 7

13 or 14

Answer 8

I think 12 is safe for more than an hour - and maybe a younger sibling with them. I think 9 would be ok for at most an hour with STRICT instruction. At least thats probibly what I will live by.

Answer 9

Call the local police. Usually i believe 10 to 12.

Answer 10

11 if responible enough just for an hour or so a day, and 13 to be on their own for more than an hour or so.