2006-12-07 05:28:11 · 34 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
When they can handle an emergency... do they know what to do if there is a fire, storm, get hurt etc. Our police dept. says 12-13 is a good safe age. But ultimitly it's up to you.
2006-12-07 05:30:45 · answer #1 · answered by starlight 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the situation and the child's maturity...are you talking about just a quick run to the store, or out for an evening?
My mother let me stay at home when I was ten (I got home from school before anyone else) but I was alone for a half hour at the most, and spent most of that time either doing my homework or watching TV. My sister is 4 years older than me, so she would be in charge if we were at home alone for more than a couple hours (remember, this was 20 years ago, too)
I wasn't allowed to be completely alone for hours until I was 13, and even then, I had neighbors checking on me.
It would also depend on the area you live in. Is it a quiet suburb, or a crowded city? Sometimes it's not so much the child's trustworthiness, but her surroundings could be potentialy harmful.
Other answerer's are correct in checking state law (you can do that by calling and asking social services...better to be safe than sorry). So, use your good judgement.
2006-12-07 08:38:43 · answer #2 · answered by VA Mamma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was left home alone when I was 10. I also walked home from school at lunchtime, made myself lunch and watched a little tv, locked the house and went back to school. Guess I was mature. My son stays home alone sometimes and he is 11. He is an only child, so he is very responsible. He knows what to do in case of an emergency and is very level headed. I know some 16 year olds that shoud not be left home alone. Guess its all up to the parents and what they think their kids can handle.
2006-12-07 12:06:18 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 years, depending on the maturity of the child and also the state law concerning unattended minors. I know I live on a military installation, and the age is 12 and they require the child to have taken a first aid class. Even with that it is only for 4 hours at a time.
2006-12-07 07:08:52 · answer #4 · answered by julieadam1997 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some states have a law and some don't but they do outline that it still is the parents responsibility to make sure the child is safe. I leave my 12 year old alone for a few hours at a time.
2006-12-07 06:29:02 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three girls, and I have given alot of thought to this question in the past. I personally think that it is okay to leave your ten year home for short periods of time, if you think he/ she is mature enough. But for longer than one hour, a child shouldn't be left home by them self until they are 12 years old. You should teach your child safety issues, like locking the door as soon as you leave the house, not answering the phone when you haven't given them your special ring (ex. ring ring hang up, then call back), not to use the stove, only the microwave... Of course like I said before it all depends on the maturity of your child. I also give my kids emergency numbers, comfort numbers (call if you need to hear another's voice...) I also stay available as much as possible to answer their phone calls. You should sit down and talk to your child before attempting to leave them by themselves. A child is just a child, and you should set rules for them that you are comfortable with.
2006-12-07 05:47:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the state you live in. However I wouldn't let a chid under 11 or 12 stay home alone for a long period of time...not more than an hour to be certain.
2006-12-08 18:54:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the maturity of the child. 12 is usually a good guideline, but each child is different. I think it also depends on how long they will be alone. 30 minutes or 4 hours would make a difference to me also would they need to be responsible for any meals while you are gone.
2006-12-07 06:28:21 · answer #8 · answered by kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when i was about 8 or 9 i pratically shoved my mum out of the house to do her shopping for abt an hour. now i'm 12 i miss having her around the house. and anyway, i was handed the house key when i was 9 but only allowed to stay at home alone when i was 11.
2006-12-07 17:48:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
18
2006-12-07 05:35:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I started letting my kids stay home alone at around age 10. They knew what to do in each conceivable emergency, and they knew they could go to the neighbor's house if there was something they couldn't handle themselves.
This age will be different with each child of course.
2006-12-07 05:34:44 · answer #11 · answered by metalmom71 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋