What is a good age to allow your child to stay at home by themselves?

Question

I was wondering what is the typical age most of you parents allowed your child to be at home after school by themselves?

By the way I am a single dad. I run into this alot and noticed a couple of responses as referring to me as the MOM. This is another issue I have with the world. Why are single fathers discriminated against? Looks like I need to start another answer.

Answer 1

Depends on the maturity level of the child and if he can be trusted, for how long, and if there is anyone nearby they can go to for an emergency. Then, you also have to check on the local laws to make sure you are in compliance. I think in most places they would say 13 is fine. Younger if there is an older sibling with them.

Answer 2

There are laws, I think twelve in most states. However, I started around eleven with small trips to the store. Just to get milk or bread. Increased that little by little until now he's comfortable being home and I know he is trust worthy. He's 13 now and fully capable of being home for a few hours. All kids are different and you have to take into factor how responsible your child is. But this is a good age to show them they are growing up and need to be responsible. Leave emergency numbers and contacts and carry your cell phone with you.

Answer 3

12+

Answer 4

10+

That was when I was a kid though. We were responsible and were only left in the house for maybe a few hours at a time. For my own kids I think I'll allow it around the same time based on maturity level. We also live on a military base so we are protected. It's not like we live next door to a child molester. If I was in the "real world" I would most likely wait until my kids were 14+.

Answer 5

I believe the law in most places is 12. Other than that it depends on your childs maturity level. I may or may not allow mine to start being alone around age 13. My oldest son age 9 is pretty immature due to a mild problem he has. So it all depends.

Answer 6

There are certain laws which make it illegal to leave a minor under a certain age at home without proper supervision. First, you need to check to see what is the legal limit in your city/state. If your child is then at the legal age, then you need to determine if he/she is mature enough to handle being alone at home, since age doesn't equal maturity. Ask them question of possible scenarios which could occur where they would have to make important and quick decisions, and consider whether or not their behaviour in everyday life is responsible.

Answer 7

It depends on the Kid, 11 can be too young but 12 is good age. But is is all depending on local crime levels and the childs knowledge of what to do if there is a fire or if someone unknown comes to the door.

Answer 8

I started to let my kids come home after school by themselves when the oldest was 10 -11. She was a very responsible young girl and both my kids knew what they were allowed to do and stuck to the rules.

Answer 9

In my opinion, it depends on their level of maturity and if they would know what to do in certain situations. My kids are fairly young, but I hope I can give them that kind of independence when they turn 13. I would just do it for an hour and see how that goes before I let them spend more time. I'm a over-protective parent, so it goes with stages for me.

Answer 10

I remember my mom let me stay home alone when I was about 13 or 14. She gave me my own key and told me where the important numbers were.. So I think 13-15 is a good age to teach them responsibilty.