Would you let your 10 yr old stay home by themselves?

Question

My daughter's friends parents let her walk home and stay home alone after school. Am I wrong for thinking that is too young?
Do any of you do this?

Hey Donna
Before you question my parenting skills, read the question. I do not leave my child alone!

Answer 1

In this day and age I think that is way too young, I have a 14 yr old and a 10 yr old, I drive them to and pick them up from school everyday. I take them home where they are there for 2 1/2 hrs until I or my husband get home. It still freaks me out, they are not allowed to go outside or answer the door, call me paranoid but I love my children and with the way the world is today I am not taking any chances.

Answer 2

It all depends on the responsibility of the child. At that age it is okay to leave them alone for no more than 3 hours I believe. Let me just say though, not all 10 year olds are the same. My nephew is 13 and can barely handle cooking food in the microwave, so there is no way I would have let him stay at home alone at the age of 10. However, my friends daughter is completely self sufficient and reliable. Then there is the raised question of, "Is it safe considering all of the pyschotic people out there waiting to prance on that scenario?" Nothing in the world is 100% safe. It is all up to the parent what they feel is the right thing to do.


All of that being said, no there is no way I would let MY 10 year old child/children stay at home alone for any amount of time. They can wait a couple of years.

Answer 3

my initial thinking is that 10 is entirely too young. in my state legally you must be 13 to stay home alone or babysit.

however, the circumstances might not be soooo bad....like if she walks home with a group of neighborhood friends, and her parents get home within a 1/2 hour.
or maybe they take extra precautions and have her call when walks in the door? or have a neighbor lady peek out across the street, and keep an eye out.
i hope she has a premade snack waiting for her, and that she doesn't have to cook or anything when she gets home--that's just scary.

but like others said it depends on how far away the school is, and how long she's left unattended. some might think it'ds no different then running to the corner store for milk, eggs or bread, and that she'll be fine by herself for a few minutes.
bottom line, it's still risky and there are a lot of creeps out there--especially with her being a girl, i hope they realise the risk they are taking. there are stories on the news everday, things are not going to get better in that regard, but worse.

i'm so paranoid about something happening to one of my kids, i refuse to let anyone babysit them except for immediate family. you just never know, even then......

my brother let his kids for the last 3 years sometimes walk to and from school...but gave them walkie talkies and had them talk throughout the walk there and home--asking when they left the school, where they were at now etc., every few minutes. they are now 12 and 13, and always have to walk together or with a friend. they seem to enjoy it, and it's suits it's purpose.

Answer 4

it really depends on the maturity level of the child.... if they are a mature child then sure, its ok, if its no longer than an hour and a half.... make sure your child calls a grandparent or you as SOON as they walk into the door, teach them how to lock the doors well, and make sure they already have a snack made or prepared for them.... if they have a friend who can come to that would be best rather than being alone... My sister was 12 and i was 6 and we stayed home together for 3 hours everyday and she took care of me and we were just fine.. Its always best if they could have a friend come to tho, or if you could see if he could stay at a friend whos parents let them stay home alone... I dont see how this is wrong, if your child is smart enough, then its all ok, Ignore some of these comments ... Make sure your child is ALWAYS watching their surroundings and aware of what is going on.... I say this only if you live in a safe neighborhood, now if your in the ghetto part then NO, i would not do anything i just said.,... but we grew up in a safe well rounded area... Also check with your laws, make sure it wont be illegal because you certain areas do have age restrction, and if the kids going to school telling everyonehow cool it is he/she gets to stay home alone, and the teacher hears, and its illegal, you will be in some sh!t.. SO .... all of the above,... lol.

Answer 5

It depends. That's what some families are used to. We were never left home alone when I was younger, but things have changed and my parents are different with my younger siblings now. When I was young, I had a friend who lived near the school, so she walked by herself and was pretty independent.

Right now, I would say that I wouldn't let my 10 yr. old stay home alone, but I guess if I were really in the situation it might be different then. But probably not.

Answer 6

I think it is too young, but...

How long are they alone? Is there a reliable neighbour right next door that can offer help? Some ten year olds can be very mature and could be left alone for short (underline) short periods of time.

By the way...
In Canada it is not illegal to leave a child ten year old and up alone for short periods of time (lets say after school for a hour or so). It may not be good sense and if I got called to a house where there was one I might call the children't aid society but charges would not apply.

Answer 7

It depends on the child and the reason for them staying home alone. The parents might see no other option. If, for example, they both work they could see her as being mature enough to stay home along until one or both of them get home from work. She could be a child who is used to this and has (and causes) no problems when she's home alone.

Personally, I wouldn't do it unless there was an emergency.

If you have a problem with it and would be willing, why not offer to let the girl hang out at your house until the parents get home?

Answer 8

Being home alone at 10 should be perfectly fine depending on how mature the child is....they should only be able to use the microwave in a dish that has already been prepared for them if they get hungry....you definitely don't want them using the stove and if the heat is set and they will only be watching TV it should be okay. Walking home and going in alone may be dangerous. They can be followed...especially if they follow the same pattern.

Answer 9

In this day and age, way too young!!! I have a 8 year old daughter and she is pretty responsible but i will not leave her home alone, not even at 10 years old. She can get in too much trouble while being at home alone, you have no idea what a kid will do when at home alone. I am not a parent that is willing to risk it!!!

Answer 10

The legal age limit for leaving a child home alone is 11 years old unless you feel your child is mature and possesses the needed knowledge to act quickly and safely in varied situations. As far as walking home alone now a days its not very safe but many families don't have any other alternatives.