Rules for a child left alone at home?

Question

My daughter is 5 years old.She is a very mature girl for her age.She understands what I say her and has her own opinion which she can substantiate.I mean she isn't a phlegmatic child as most 4-5-year-olds in usa are.So,I need to know what should I tell her to do and not to do while I'm at work and she is at home(usually 5 hours after school).We have a lock on the door and she knows how to use it.What rules should I ask her to follow?

Answer 1

Don't open the door to strangers.Don't tell other people the parents aren't at home.Don't play with electricity(the oven,cook, flexes,etc).Give her your phone number and other numbers she may need.Explain her what she may do while you are at work - watch TV,listen to music,read books,write her homework,play with dolls,etc.

Answer 2

A child that young should never be left alone. You may trust her implicitly to stay inside with the door locked and never open it, but a child predator could find out she is home alone for several hours. In addition, you can not expect her to be able to handle an emergency that might occur such as a fire or broken water pipe.

I am not a lawyer, but I imagine that if something serious happens, and it is discovered that you left a five year old unattended for several hours, then you would have some serious questions to answer from the authorities.

She should either be in an after school program or have a babysitter. If money is an issue, ask a relative to watch her until you get home or look for low cost (but quality) day care.

Answer 3

In most states you can not leave a child by themselves until they are ten. I understand that she is mature but 5 hours is a long time for a 5 year old (mature or not). Children need someone to play with and talk to. Try hiring a babysitter for after school care. If money is an issue then most schools have an after school program. If not then talk to your child's school or try a local place like the Red Cross or the Y.

Answer 4

Ummm...I'm all about mature children staying home alone (I was 8 yrs old when I stayed home alone), but 5 is waaaaaaaaay too young! That's completely ridiculous...5 year olds can be mature but they're still like little babies to me. I would highly recommend you spend some extra money for after school care. There is no way I could condone leaving a 5yr old at home by herself.

I don't care how mature you think she is...she's only 5. I think it would be extremely irresponsible of you to let her stay home alone. 5 year olds don't understand how the mind of a psyco/pedophile/killer/freak works. Grown ppl have been fooled by much less, and have gotten themselves killed by trusting stranger. How do you think a 5 year old would hold up to a pedophile? Are you willing to risk that, to save a few bucks on child care? Its not worth your daughter's safety.

Answer 5

When you come home one day to see the corpse of your child. then perhaps you'll look back and see how stupid it was to leave her home alone. She cannot defend herself against an intruder. she wont even know what to do. If a child molester finds out that you leave your 5 year old home alone.. They see the opportunity. haha Its not not opportunity they see it as easy prey. Is risking your child's life worth it? This is Called Child Neglect. You deserve to be locked up. Most Meth Addicts Do a better job at parenting then you do. I know. I use to baby sit for them. It doesn't matter how mature she is.. if something starts on fire. she wont know what to do. She'll panic.. and burn in the blaze. How dare you risk your child's life. I think the only reason she is mature.

Is you've forced her to be mature. because your to flippin' lazy to be a parent. How dare you. You are a desgrace to all parents you are the reason some people shouldn't breed.

Answer 6

In my opinion, she is just a child and it is too early for her to be alone for 5 hours or so, no matter how mature is she. Of course, you are her mother and know what is the best for her, but in that age she needs a company. Get a babysitter, or ask some free cousins to be with her for a few hours.

Answer 7

Please do not leave your five year old at home by herself. I am not sure what your state regulations are but the military regulations state that a child should not be left unattended until they are 10, and then only for a few hours. For the child's safety here are a couple of web sites that give great info on leaving a child home alone.

Answer 8

I don't care how mature she is, 5 years old is way too young to be at home alone. You need to have her go to a neighbor's house or a friend whom you trust until you are home from work. If there were an emergency, she would not be able to handle herself. She should not have to deal with this kind of responsibility at such a young age.

Answer 9

Get her a babysitter. Leaving her alone is bad parenting. Anything could happen to her in 5 hours. I don't care how mature yu think she is, she's a kid!!! At 12 I could see being home alone for 2 hours, but not at 5! Poor baby!

Answer 10

Not a good idea. She needs to be in child care, as too many horrible things can happen to a child unattended. If you put her in a locked room with a bathroom and sink for water, she could still get in trouble.
So go to United Way and find a child care center nearby. YOur child is too precious to risk her safety. Death or brain damage could ensue from some of those accidents.

Answer 11

5 hours are to long for a 5 year old period! but if your gonna leav her at home so you can work explain to her never to go out the door, dont answer it, tell her never ever to let anyone in because you have a key. dont touch the stove and tell her why,give her things to do that could keep her busy, or like if i step out to go to the store around the corner i put my 5 year old in my room ,i put the tv on something she likes.i have a bathroom in my room so i tell her dont leave out my room at all . make sure she know all the emergency numbers and when to use them