Should a 9-yr-old and 7-yr-old be left at home alone while their parents work?

Question

These two children do not even get along. They are constantly calling their mother (my coworker) at work over the smallest fights. I'm talking about 15 to 20 calls a day, maybe even more than that. My coworker has told me she can't handle her kids when they are together. Why does she leave them alone at home while she works? Should a situation like this be reported to child protective services, or would that just be stupid? It seems to me that these two children could end up burning down the house, or seriously harming each other.

Middleclass...I have nothing against this woman, at all. I fear for her kids, though. This IS about THEIR safety, and not at all about HER. I actually no longer sit near her, but another coworker of mine does, and she has the same worries as I do. I have no intentions of reporting this woman to CPS, but I think maybe something should be done to help those kids.

Answer 1

No way....it's apparent that they can't handle the responsibility if they keep calling her that many times a day! Regardless of her financial situation, childcare should be provided....what she's doing is called neglect, plain and simple. Calling CPS doesn't mean the kids will be taken away...but it could open up an investigation to figure out why she's doing this, and they'll work with her to get the childcare she obviously needs...could be a wake up call for her!

Answer 2

It's against the law, so report it to child services. This is for the protection of the children. Age 12 is when a child can be left home alone, but even the early teens are a dangerous time. 13-15 years is when smoking and other teen temptations arise.

Answer 3

Report her. A 9 year old can not look after a 7 year old and what will happen if someone decides to break into the house while the mom's at work? The kids will either be killed or kidnapped. That mother should have a babysitter watching her kids.

Answer 4

these kids are too young to be alone especially if they dont get along. child protective services should be called because at those ages the kids are not old enough or from the sounds mature enough to be alone. you may want to first suggest a babysitter to you co worker so as not to cause problems. if the co workers feels they can be left alone tell her they cant if she doesnt make any changes then call protective services and explain the situation to them so that they can take action and keep these kids from doing possible harm to each other or the house.

Answer 5

Absolutely not. The children are far too young to be left alone. Too much can happen. One of them could get seriously hurt, something could happen to the house, etc. Truth be told, if someone I knew was leaving children that young home all day, I would be seriously tempted to call Child Protective Services. You should tell your friend that she needs to get someone to watch her children. I know its expensive, I have children of my own, but it is absolutely necessary that she do it for the welfare of her children. And if she still refuses, I think you should call CPS, or at the very least let her know that you plan to do so.

Answer 6

They are too young and obviously not alright being left alone. You could suggest to her that she contact social services and see if she can get help funding their daycare or an afterschool program if she can't afford it herself. Tell her she could get herself into a lot of trouble and heartache if Child protective services become aware of them being at home. If she does nothing send her an annonymous letter warning her that someone is going to call the police (I don't think you would want to just come right out and tell her that you are since you have to work with her every day) but she could loose her children if she doesn't do something and if you don't do something and God forbid something bad happens to the kids you will have to live with that! Good luck!

Answer 7

I don't believe this is the best idea. I would never to this unless there was a very close neighbor that they could contact in case of emergency. If they do not get along, then this is not acceptable. The 9 year old needs to be mature enough to be able to make good decisions. I might call CPS and ask them if this is acceptable. There are so many factors. Is it possible that you can report and she not know? I believe taht you can be anonymous. Good luck.

Answer 8

7 and 9 is far to young to be left alone. Especially when there is not supervision for an extended period of time. I hate to say it but placing an anonymous call to CPS to voice you concerns would probably be in the best interest of the children.

At that age they cannot manage a household. How do they feed themselves. They are incapable of handing any situation, let alone if god forbid an emergency was to occur.

Answer 9

It would sure be nice if I could believe this is more about the safety of the children-but somehow I get the feeling you're mad you have to answer the phone and you don't like this coworker?
Sometimes the choices are tough for a working Mom-if she doesn't work, it's welfare-if she does, it must cost $1000 a month for childcare these days. Of course, you don't have to be helpful, but would these kids be better off in a foster home? I question that-lots of not-so-pretty stories about foster parents. Why don't you ask her why she leaves them alone? Maybe you can help her find a solution? I agree they call too much-she needs to talk to them.

Answer 10

Children that young should NEVER be left home alone. Years ago I had no choice but to leave mine while I attended schooling that was necessary for my job. It scared me to death. I did not do it for long and would NEVER, NEVER do it again. Talk to your coworker about finding an after school program (I did and it was WONDERFUL) that will keep them busy and not bothering her at work. I'm surprised she hasn't been fired because of all the interruptions. Surely there is a better way.