2007-01-02 09:44:17 · 24 answers · asked by katgal 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Some states have laws regarding that. In this state, it is 12. Personally, I think that (depending on the safety of your neighborhood and the individual maturity of the child) that 9 or 10 may be old enough. But again, if you have a child who is not very responsible and cannot follow rules, think in an emergency, etc-I wouldn't touch it at any age.
2007-01-02 16:02:23 · answer #1 · answered by momofhaybear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd check what is legally allowed in your area before doing anything. In the UK, if a child under sixteen is harmed when left alone by their parent then the parents can be charged with child neglect.
If you feel your child is mature enough to be trusted with a house key, come straight home and keep themselves out of mischief then use your own discretion. But if you're not one hundred percent sure, either get a babysitter, send him to a friend/neighbours' house or see if there is an after-school club going.
2007-01-02 21:36:44 · answer #2 · answered by starchilde5 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states say age 12. It all depends on the maturity level of your child. I was left at home alone around age 10. My older brother was supposed to be there but rarely was. It was me and my little sister who is 2 years younger, we were there from around 3 until about 7. Most of the time I was cooking dinner when my parents came home. They liked that. It all depends on your child and how he/she feels about it. If they are worried or freaked out, don't do it. If they think they can handle it and be responsible about it then go for it.
Good Luck!
2007-01-02 17:52:09 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could have a child that is 16 and still doesnt know all safety issues even simple things. After 12 is a good rule of thumb as long as the child knows absoultly ALL the safety issues and has somewhere or someone s/he could to go to, just in case.
2007-01-02 18:27:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think a child should be left alone but if it has to be done 13.If you still feel uncomfortable you could put your child in an after school program or get a baby-siter.
2007-01-02 18:03:04 · answer #5 · answered by Zoie M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at 11-12
2007-01-02 17:51:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it all depends on the parent. my parents left me alone for about an hour after school starting when i was 12. you have to evaluate the maturity level of your child before leaving him/her home alone. if you think you're child is mature enough to handle it, then try it.
2007-01-02 17:46:45 · answer #7 · answered by NSeni 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Totally depends on the child. They must be mature, well informed on what they're allowed to do/not do. I wouldn't advise they open the door to anyone during that hour and NO ONE comes into the house until you get home.
2007-01-02 17:48:22 · answer #8 · answered by butrcupps 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your local police dept. You have to be 12 in Texas to be left home alone for any amount of time.
2007-01-02 17:55:13 · answer #9 · answered by thezookeeper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've called police station's and child protective service's on this question and they all tell me if you feel your child is responsible enough it's up to you there is no set age but i have 6 childern all in the range of 3-14 and my oldest started babysitting when she was 12 she's great but i hope this helps like i've said i called everyone there is to call
2007-01-03 14:27:10 · answer #10 · answered by pumpkinbugaboo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋