My kids are 12 & 10. My ex and I are looking at options for daycare while they are tracked out of year-round school, one being letting them stay at home. My brother and I began staying home alone at this age, but I understand things are different these days. Are there any resources available to make that a feasable solution? Maybe installing a video camera with online access to monitor their activites?
2006-12-21 05:38:49 · 16 answers · asked by Johnny G 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
it is completely upto you as long as you've checked out the laws, you need to assess the relationship between both your kids - do they playfight/argue over silly things very often? are they likely to do this while your not there? would they both know what to do in an emergency (your 10 year old would have to be as competent as your 12 year old incase anything happened in which your 12year old couldnt access the phone etc) and also the maturity to be sensible and not take advantage of the freedom you have given them. if your not sure do some trial runs leaving them for an hour, then a couple of hours then half a day then a whole day, speak to your neighbour and ask if they would check in once or twice when they are left for more than half a day. Good Luck
2006-12-21 05:59:22 · answer #1 · answered by yummymummy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your local laws for the ages. In my area a 12 yr old is fine & can babysit the 10 yr old but the 10 yr old can't be home without the 12 yr old. You are the parent & know the maturity of your kids. You know if trust is an issue or if they are ready. If there is a nearby home they could go to in an emergency & you feel they are ready I would say try it. If there is no one close or could get to them quickly I would wait a bit. My kids are 10 & 14 so I have had to think hard on this too. My 10 yr old gets out of school 1st so she goes to a friends house.
2006-12-21 05:50:09 · answer #2 · answered by Nice one 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The video is a cool idea. My sister and I began to stay by ourselves when we were 9 and 10, but we were very good and mature for our ages. We also lived in the middle of nowhere and had nowhere to go to get into trouble, lol. If you live in town you need to ensure they do not wander the streets or try to go anywhere as they could get hurt or stolen. You could call home randomly, or if you have caller ID at work you could have them call you. For the first month or so you could even have someone stop by to check on them at unexpected times. Also, leave a list of chores for them to do to keep them busy. My mom always left a list for us, things like vaccume, do dishes, dust, etc. Whatever you decide, good luck.
In wisconsin I think the legal age to stay home alone, and/or watch siblings is 12. You might want to call the police station and ask just in case.
2006-12-21 05:44:43 · answer #3 · answered by dolly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where we live it is against the law for children under 13 to stay home by themselves. If you have a neighbor who is willing to check in on them often and be available if something goes wrong (one of them gets hurt or the house burns down) that might be an option. They will outsmart the video cameras. You really need a sitter.
2006-12-21 05:45:23 · answer #4 · answered by polyana28 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are way to young to stay home alone. And a video camera? That won't prevent a fire, a break in, a medical emergency, or any other dangerous accident. Have you looked into a Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, or other after school care program? Some even offer bus rides from school to their facility. This would be a much safer alternative.
2006-12-21 18:30:16 · answer #5 · answered by beccaboo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately too young. I would suggest talking to a neighbor or something if daycare is not feasible. If not, have you ever thought of enrolling them in some sort of after school sport/activity? Also, I do believe that it is against the law to leave a 10 year old home alone. You might want to check your state's guidelines. Good luck!
2006-12-21 05:44:34 · answer #6 · answered by sarah261981 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At this age, you can probably leave them by themselves for a few hours, but not all day. There are legal definitions of neglect, check with your state laws to see if this would qualify. Having a camera doesn't make it any better, they can always do stuff out of the view of the camera.
Why don't you contact other parents in the school and see how they work this out?
2006-12-21 05:43:33 · answer #7 · answered by baby_savvy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe age is the factor It's your child's maturity level...At 11 I was babysitting other children but my husband on the other hand needed a sitter until he was 15 (past that really :) )
Our oldest daughter is very mature also and will probably be allowed to stay home alone at those ages.....I would recommend writing down the rules and expectations for the children
2006-12-21 06:08:54 · answer #8 · answered by laura468 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 12 is old enough, but 10 is not. Like the other user suggested, check the laws in your state first, and if it checks out then go woth your gut. You need to know that they are resposible, won't have friends over, won't answer the door or phone, and could handle an emrgency.
2006-12-21 05:46:05 · answer #9 · answered by averyanne77 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The age is fine but make sure that their maturity, responsibility, and understanding of being home is up to expected standards. They should also have access to all telephone numbers and it be explained what to do in case of emergencies.
2006-12-21 05:43:54 · answer #10 · answered by micg 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋