What is the legal age guidelines for leaving children alone at home in the evenings?

Question

My grandson is 13 and in grade 8 and is left with his 11 1/2 year old brother who is in grade 6. Their mother says we are leaving them home alone at too young an age.

Answer 1

According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) says this:

"There is no law that states the minimum age that a child can be left alone. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk."

Also:

"Most children under 13 should not be left for more than a short period." and "No child under 16 should be left overnight."

Answer 2

The answer varies from state to state, but most states dont have an actual age, more a guideline, and it all boils down to the maturity of the kids, some kids can handle it at younger ages, and some cannot. That said, I would think a 13 yr old could certainly handle staying home alone, and being in charge of an 11 yr old. At least for a few hours. Maybe not all day, again, it depends on how mature the kids are. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I live in Canada and I know here kids are allowed to babysit when they are 12. I have a 10 year old who is quite reponsible and i will leave him alone for a short time but not in charge of another child till he is 12. But I don't think that 13 and 11 1/2 are too young to be home for a while alone as ong as they know emergency contacts and rules of being alone.

Answer 4

Your mother is concerned for their welfare and has her own ideas about leaving children alone at home while you are at work. Since the children are 13 and 11 I think it is no big deal. They should be able to take care of themselves during the day and if they need you as long as they have your number at work I think it is ok. Just make sure you tell them not to let in any strangers. Tell them also about calling emergency numbers. Make sure they understand the rules. Don't allow them to go off by themselves under any circumstances while you are away at work.

Answer 5

Legally, because your grandson is 13 he can be home alone with an 11.5 yr. old. Is it responsible? Probably not, it depends on how you raised them and if they are competent to be alone.
"A child left to himself brings his mother to shame" at least give them some assignments/ chores to do by the time you get home.
The legal age for a child to stay home by himself is 12.

Answer 6

I don't think it is wrong and if they are both mature and know who to contact if there is any problem than i don't see a problem.
If it was over night i may so no but for a few hrs no problem. What does she want them to be 18 yrs old and asking to be tucked in???
I have left my son for a few yrs alone since he was about 10-11 he is very independent and mature and i checked in with him every hr or so and he also had a # to reach me

Answer 7

The laws vary state-to-state, but here in TN it is 12 years old.

Even if you are in your legal rights to leave a child alone, though, always take into consideration their maturity and level of responsibility.

Answer 8

Why do you have her children?

I think the 13 year old is too young to be responsible for his brother....if something happened would he be calm and clear headed enough to deal with it.

He's a child still.

Answer 9

That's a good question. You should of put it under law category instead of family and relationship category. Anyways, I was told 18. But then again why is a 13 or 14 allowed to babysit. White folks do it all the time. If a Mex or black did that, in something happen they get in trouble. That's when the law says its 18. I think you can get away with it 13 or 14 depending on your race and class.

Answer 10

Different States have Different Guidelines.Texas is 11,but there cant be younger children in care of the 11year old.