How old can a child be legally to be left home alone?

Question

Just for your information before all of the criticism, I have no intention of leaving any of my boys home alone anytime soon. They range from 7-10. My ex feels that my 10 year old is old enough to be left unsupervised and can babysit his girlfriends babies. I have been searching for Pennsylvania Law sites to find out what the exact age is but do not seem able to find anything I can use. Pretty much, I want the facts before I make a big stink about it.

Answer 1

I am not sure if there is a legal age (some states, like CA where I live, don't have one). It depends on the maturity of the child. If a child of 13 or older has good sense and knows not to answer the door, or tell anybody who calls that he/she's home alone, and would know what to do if a fire started, then that child could reasonably stay home alone for a time.

Some children are more self-confident than others. But having a 10-yr-old watch babies doesn't sound like a good idea at all. What if the baby fell or started choking or stopped breathing?

It sounds as if your ex wants a cheap sitter. Stand firm and say no.

Answer 2

I can tell you this, a 10 year old boy has no business being left with the responsibility of babysitting for anyone, let alone his father's girlfriend's babies!! WHEW!!! How irresponsible is his father??!! How even more irresponsible is the stupid girlfriend??!!

If this is what your ex is planning, I suggest not letting your young boy go over there to visit so he can play babysitter. A 10 year old child need someone responsible to babysit him/her!!

He should not be left alone before the age of at least 12 or 13. At that age, he should be able to sit for his younger brothers during a certain time of day. I would not leave them alone at night at that age.

Back to the father and his girlfriend with the babies. CPS will come and take all of the children away if something happens and there is no adult in the house, no matter what state it is.

With your 10 year old being with the father and not at home, it would still be very devastating for the children to be taken away. CPS will definitely take the girlfriend's babies. You will be able to get your son but whose to say, CPS won't put you through some unnecessary changes to get them back.
(CPS - Child Protective Services)

Father and girlfriend need to get a clue!!

Answer 3

I would call the local police station just to ask as a general question it varies by state I live in Massachusetts and just found out there is no specific age here it is decided on a case by case situation depending on the child's maturity level. I just started leaving my 13 year old son alone to help me watch his siblings while I work for a 1/2 hour to an hour at a time I do private care and this helps me make some extra money while there father works but like I said I just started trusting him and he is 13 and I never leave him for more than 2 hours at most and without a way of him reaching me at all times. also I only work less than 3 miles away from my home.

Answer 4

the laws differ from state to state. The average age is 13, but you have to go on the maturity of the child. A ten year old may be able in some cases be able to watch him self for half an hour with a neighbor close at hand in the event of an emergency, but i wouldn't stretch it longer than that or do it to often because at this age they still like to test their limits. But under no condition should a child this age be supervising infants, and I honestly wouldn't have him supervising older children because they wont view him as an authority figure and there for can get out of hand for him putting him, them and that home in a dangerous situation.

As for the infant, just say he were to have an emergency, would he know what to do, or suppose the infant is just to much for him to handle, does this put him in the position of being disciplined for a responsibility he shouldn't really have? Have his father counseled on the repercussions of this situation by a child and family services worker, and make sure your son knows to call you when he is being left alone there. Then from that point you call the non emergency police number in his area and request a "wellness" check for an adolescent and infant who is left alone. This can be call placed anonymously, or by a concerned neighbor, and a few visits like that will stop this nonsense.

Answer 5

I think the age is 12, but i also think states may vary. I leave my daughter home alone (she is 10) for short periods, if I run to the store (2 blocks away). But we live in a small town and it is relatively safe. I would never go far and leave her home. But I would defiantly make a stink about it!

Answer 6

I'm not sure about legally...but my mom started leaving me home alone at age 8. Though I remember being scared sometimes if someone knocked on the door or anything I would freak out. I think 10 is a good age. You should check out MommyTalk.com for tips and advice it's been helping me! I love the site!

Answer 7

This law is governed by state. In the state of NJ it's 16. This also means no one less than 16 can legally babysit.

Answer 8

It depends on what state but in Colorado there is no law about staying home alone. There is also no law saying how old you need to be to babysit. It all depends on what the parents want for their kids.

Answer 9

In Mississippi there is no legal age. A woman here went to the club and left her kids alone with no electricity, the trailer burnt down, all the kids died, and the mother did not go to jail. If you really dont know, find a babysitter

Answer 10

Most states have a law on age.....Also no matter when u leave you child home alone if hes under 18 and anything happens......it comes back on you, you could be sued,you can go to jail etc etc etc......just be careful the world is not the same when he were that age.......