At what age would you feel comfortable leaving a child overnight or even two on their ow.?

Question

we live in a smallish city 25,000 with two dogs.

Sorry for the typo

Answer 1

Depends on the child's maturity to handle various situations, as well as to act in a responsible way.

Age has nothing to do with it. Trust is the key.

Do you trust your child to not get into trouble or inviting friends to have a party? Do you trust you child not to use alcohol, etc while you are gone?

And there is the emergency issue. What have you taught your child to do in the event of an emergency? Who to call for different types of emergencies? Are there family members or neighbors who could be called on in a non-life-threatening emergency?

Some kids could handle these things at 13 or 14, while others couldn't handle it at 21. I would say 14 is the earliest I would feel comfortable, but it all depends on your child's maturity.

Another consideration is the quality of the town & neighborhood in which you live. Small city, 25,000 people covers a lot of cities. What is the crime statistics? How close to your fire and police station is your house located? Where is the nearest emergency clinic or hospital? How long have you really known your neighbors? Do you just say 'hi' or do you have lots of contact with them?

Answer 2

15

Answer 3

There are only two dogs in your city?

But to answer the question - 16 at the very minimum, and depending on the child and other circumstances.

Answer 4

My oldest girl could not stay alone until she was 14. She was too scared, even with her little brother (4 years younger) for company. My 13 yo son enjoys staying by himself and never gets into trouble. I cannot leave my 13 you alone with my 9 you daughter. They are like oil and water! Of course, I can leave the oldest two together or the two girls together. I would not leave the 9 yo alone.

Answer 5

I would never feel comfortable leaving any child under the age of 17 at home alone all night. What is your reason, is it valid enough to be considered?

Answer 6

18. I think the way the world is these days that they could get bored and find trouble way to easily. Plus, people out there are are not to be trusted. Anything could happen. Have a close friend or a relative you can trust come and stay.

Answer 7

Not until my kids are 18! There are way too many freaks out there and too much trouble for the kids to get into. I remember when I was a teen and left home alone and what I did. No way do I want my kids to do that!

Answer 8

It really depends on the child and his or her maturity. If you know the child is not responsible or honest then I would not advise it. But if the child is reliable then it may be time. But if you do decide to leave your kid alone have a close neighbor/family friend check in on them.

Answer 9

That depends on your kids' maturity levels and if they are responisble enough to know what to do in an emergency and know what not to do and if you trust them enough not to take advantage of their parents being gone. Me, personally, I'm with whoever said, "i know what i did as a teen when my parents left me alone." NOWAY! My kids will be the oldest kids with over night babysitters, just incase that stuff is hereditary!!!

Answer 10

13, if no dogs are there.

Actually, under NO circumstances would I leave underage kids (even 17-year old ones!) with dogs around the house. They may feel the urge to mess around with it and get in legal trouble.