2007-01-13 09:28:31 · 23 answers · asked by J B 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
i think this depends on the child, and their maturity level, and also the length of time that they will be alone. I think around 13 is a good starting point.
2007-01-13 09:36:35 · answer #1 · answered by redsox fan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was 7-10, I stayed home alone. But in the neighborhood we lived in, all the neighbors knew I was alone and they made sure no men or strangers went to my door at all. And I know that I had a different childhood then other kids because of that.... (and the fact that I was REALLY mature for my age.)
Then at 10, we moved and after a few months I started staying home alone again.
I'm not sure the laws... I know I was illegally staying home alone at 10. And that I couldn't sit alone in a car until I was 12.
I think its more about the childs responsibility and the neighborhood you live in. If there are alot of sexual preditors, then older. (you can find them by going to familywatchdog.us )
2007-01-13 20:29:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the maturity and the confidence of the child. Several other things can play a factor.
12 is the legal age here (living on an Army Post in Europe). Some children I know are okay with that, but for others it can be very overwhelming. Too much responsibility for oneself without a backup can be very stressful for many 12 year olds. They will pretend to be okay with it, but more communication and observation of behavior shows that they are not.
If this is a personal thing with your child, try to leave him or her at home alone for a short period of time, like 30 minutes to an hour. If that works out okay, and your child is okay with that, boost the time up to 2 or 3 hours. Then, if it's okay, boost the time up.
Just don't expect a child to be able to stay at home alone for 9 or 10 hours at a time while you are at work without any previous preparation or experience.
2007-01-13 18:05:21 · answer #3 · answered by ninn09262 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this depends on each child individually and their level of maturity. I had one daughter that at age 10 I had no problem leaving her at home by herself for short periods of time. She was very mature. However, my second child was 14 before I ever left her at home alone and even then I was worried. She just seemed to have a hard time using her common sense and I was afraid she might burn the house down, hurt herself, etc.
When you start leaving your child alone it should be for very short periods at first and then the periods should get longer as the child shows that he or she is capable of being home alone without being scared, or doing something stupid, etc.
Also, when you leave them home alone make sure they know the rules. Is it okay to answer the phone? The door? Can they make phone calls? Who should they call if they need something? Can they go outside while you are gone? Can they cook while you are gone? Etc. A strong list of do's and don'ts is a must and can help them out if they have any questions.
2007-01-13 17:40:50 · answer #4 · answered by Vicki W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it would depend on the child and how responsible they are my daughter is 12 and I let her stay home but not for long periods maybe a couple hours when I was 10 I was allowed to stay home alone so I guess it depends on how you feel.
2007-01-13 17:33:50 · answer #5 · answered by fluttergirl2004 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each state has laws regarding how old children can be to stay at home. Usually it's around 9 or 10 but can't be for an extended period of time. Usually the time between school letting out and when their parents get home from work. Any longer can be considered child endangerment.
2007-01-13 17:32:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well probably around ten but depending on their maturity. When my mom first was letting me stay home alione it would be like I was ten on like a saturday during the day and she wiould lets say go to the market for an hour and as time grew on I stayed home alone more and more. Now I'm 14 and I am home alone from the time I get home from school till my Mom gets home from work which is liek 3 hopurs plus whenever shegoes out
2007-01-13 18:24:16 · answer #7 · answered by Amira M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that depends on the child, my 16 yr old was fine at about 10 but my 11 and 14 year old i still wont leave home alone, it really depends on child
2007-01-14 01:19:10 · answer #8 · answered by melissa s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on there maturity level. I was staying home alone when I was about 7. But I had to and it really didn't matter. But i lived out in the woods and was always outside. So Best age would be 10, If they get scared easliy maybe 12, Just w/e you feel is best
2007-01-13 17:38:12 · answer #9 · answered by triple c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No younger then 10 for sure but most times I would say 12 if the child is responsible.
2007-01-13 18:12:40 · answer #10 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋