My son is 11 and wants to look after sister 8 instead of babysitter can he legally do this?

Answer 1

Latch Key Kids

In a perfect world, we could all stay at home and be there to provide a loving and safe environment for our children after school. Unfortunately, many parents have to work, and consequently, children are forced to spend at least a few hours at home alone during the work week. So as parents we hope and pray we beat the odds. With baited breath, we spend those last few hours of each work day praying that our children are safe and secure until our return.

According to the National Child Care Information Network: (excerpt) "States do not have regulations or laws about when a child is considered old enough to care for him/herself or to care for other children. States may have guidelines or recommendations. These guidelines are most often distributed through child protective services and are administered at the county level."

This page is dedicated to providing resources that address the many concerns and fears that parents (and children) face when home alone, and provide helpful tips for making those hours more secure. For local information search: Child Safety Laws for children at home alone in your city and state, or call your local Child Protective Services office.



American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Home Alone Children

(excerpt) There are many issues and potential risks and dangers that parent(s) should consider before a child is placed in this situation. Parent(s) should consider the following:

Age readiness
Definition of parental "rules and expectations"
How to access parent(s) or other adults (e.g. phone numbers)
Potentially unsafe situations (e.g. medical emergencies, fire, alcohol, drugs, strangers, guns, etc.)
When and how to answer the phone or doorbell
Use of phone, 911 for emergencies
Use of computer (internet)
Friends and visitors coming to the house
Responsibilities for siblings
Use of unstructured time (e.g. watch TV, videos, etc.); and
Access to "adult" cable TV; internet chat rooms and adult web sites

It is not possible to make a general statement about when a child can be left home. Many states have laws which hold parents responsible for the supervision of their children. Older adolescents are usually responsible enough to manage alone for limited periods of time. Parent(s) must consider the child's level of maturity and past evidence of responsible behavior and good judgement. When a child is ready to be left alone, a graduated approach should be used starting with a very short period of time (i.e.1 hour).

Parent(s) should talk with their youngsters to prepare them for each of the issues or potential problems listed above. In addition, parent(s) should strive to make their home as safe as possible from obvious dangers and hazards and rehearse the developed "emergency plan" with their children. Parents should also teach their child important safety precautions (i.e. locking the door, dealing with strangers or visitors who come to the house, use of the stove, etc.)

Being home alone can be a frightening and potentially dangerous situation for many children and adolescents. Parents should strive to limit the times when children are home alone. Parents should prepare their children in advance for how to deal with situations that may arise.

Answer 2

the question is not can "he" do it - it's whether you can leave two minors home alone. the answer is "it depends" on what state you live in. It also depends if you're talking about the length of time. A few minutes? Several hours?
As a parent, you can have anyone you feel qualified to take care of your children. Children who are 11 and mature can probably do a good job keeping an eye on an 8-year old. But what if a fire breaks out? A stranger knocks at the door? Someone gets injured? It seems like a lot of responsibility for a young one.
One solution is to have a grown-up (such as a neighbor) available on call.
But your question to the legality varies by state. Your best bet is to contact the child protection or law enforcement in your area.
hope this helps.

Answer 3

Legally, most ages are 12-13 but if he's close to turning 12 and is mature and your 8 year old doesn't need special attention, then you try it. Test it out for an hour while you do groceries and make sure he knows rules about not answering the door to anyone, knows what to say if he answers the phone and that he has emergency phone numbers for you and someone else you trust. My brother was 11 when he watched my younger brother and I for a few hours.

Answer 4

In the UK you LEGALLY have to be 16.

I would suggest at least 14 years of age first.

But are you thinking about this? Your son is 11. Does he get on with his sister? Will he manage to control her and manage his own fun? Can he be left responsibly alone? Does he have someone he can go to if something goes wrong? What if his sister hurts herself, can he do something?

Really think on all the opinions, I know kids hate babysitters, but it's for their own safety!!

Answer 5

He has no LEGAL right, but you may let him babysit if you feel that he is mature and responsible enough. 11 is alittle young but he obviously feels protective of his little sister - that is good. You could try leaving him with her for short times, to begin with, say an hour here and there. If all goes well, you can extend the time away. Make sure he knows what do do in an emergency.... lock doors, call 911, get out in case of fire, etc. Leave your cell phone number is plain sight.

Answer 6

sorry to say this but he is to young to take care of his younger sister and he is not legal to do so he has to be at least 18 years of age to do that you do need a babysitter and if he doesn't like the idea tell him what are the risks for him to be alone with his sister and in an emergencie that they need a older person (e.g what if doughter has a big cut and you have to rush them to the hospital yes there is 911 but there has to be a person that can drive and take of things) you get the idea well hope yuo do the right thing

Answer 7

Each state has different laws. I know of states that require the elder of the children to attend classes beforehand as well. You can call your local Department of Family and Children Services and they will tell you. But make sure you are talking to someone that is giving you facts. I've known some DFACS workers to want to give you their personal stories and opinions. Personally, I think you should try leaving them alone for very short periods of time to begin with. I did the same with my son. He's fine, if I'm not gone for more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Answer 8

Legally I dont think so.... and I wouldnt leave an 11 yr old to watch an 8 yr old any ways I say they at least need to be like 13 or 15

Answer 9

Different states have different laws. Personally I don't think 11 is old enough, but you are the mother and you know your children. But I don't know what state you are or what the legal age is. I think most states is at leat 13, you would have to make a phone call or two and find out the specifics.

Answer 10

I wouldn't worry about the legalities as much as I would worry about my own judgment here. Is he mature? Do you have a cell phone he can call immediately if there is a problem? Does he know how to call 911?

My kids were about 12 and 10 when we began to allow them to not have a sitter, but it honestly depends on maturity level on a case-by-case basis. Also, it depends on whether you are going out for 6 hours, all evening, or just running to the store for an hour. Use your parental judgment here.

Answer 11

In CA, They have to be 12 to legally be left alone and then the responsiblity level depends on their intellegence. If something happens, they will get you for child abuse of some shape if he doesn't make a right decission.

Does he know what to do in an emergency? Do you have that much faith in your son to leave them alone? If you are thinking or worring all the time about "IF"s..then you are not ready to leave him home.