What is the appropriate age for a young girl to stay home alone?

Answer 1

13. But, it alsodepends on her maturity level.

Answer 2

It all depends on the age and what state it is legal. Here in texas, I beleive the age is 8years old. Some children feel unsafe and scared. I know when i was little i wasn't scared. But my oldest is 9 and she refuses to stay home alone so i have not left her home alone at all shes just isn't ready. Then again she isn't a outgoing person shes shy and not social. I on the other hand was very out there shes more like her dad. If i were to even try she'd break down and cry so i couldn't do that! Well hopefully that answers something.

Answer 3

Depends on where you live.

If you live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else, you may feel safe leaving her at home at age 7 or 8. If you live in a very isolated farm area, they may be fine staying home at age 5 or 6. If you live in a somewhat populated area or don't really know your neighbors, you may not want to leave her home alone until around 8 or 9. If you live in a somewhat unsafe area (such as the base of a huge hill or a high traffic area) I'd wait until 10 or 11. Finally, if you need your kid to take a subway or public bus home, I'd wait until 12 or 13. However, if it's a simple walk or carpool that's safe, 10 or 11 is fine. Good luck!

Answer 4

There are some laws about this. You can check with your state to see what they say - legally speaking.

But this isn't the only guideline. Is the child comfortable at home alone? Could she stay cool enough in an emergency situation to handle it? Is she mature enough - does she generally know/follow the rules even if you're not watching or enforcing them?

Generally, if your child is ready to be home alone - to help with her comfort level and yours - you may want to leave her alone for a very short time initially and then leave her for longer periods of time. Perhaps starting with a quick run to the grocery - 15-20 minutes, then 30 minutes, then an hour or two, etc.

Answer 5

Depending on your state laws, it may be illegal to leave a child under 12 home alone. In Ga, you can leave a twelve year old alone for brief periods of about an hour. That 12 y/o cannot be left to account for the safekeeping of a younger child.
That being said, I won't hire a sitter a day younger than 15. Even then, it would be for limited lengths of time and if I knew her. For evenings, I'd say 16 if not after midnight.

Answer 6

There is no 'appropriate' age. When parents feel that they can trust a child, and the child is responsible, that's when they should be able to stay home alone. This happens from 12-14, usually.

Answer 7

Well I was left home alone at age 10, my parents both worked two jobs, and they're really isnt a certain age when it comes to being left alone, it really depends on the child, if the child's mind is mature enough to understand what it means to be left alone with out any adult supervision. Every child is different so if you feel that your child isn't old enough or mature enough to stay home alone, then it is best to talk to the child about being home alone, and what to do and what not to do when their home alone.
If you plan on leaving your child alone, ask them what do they know about being home alone. Well hope this helps.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

14

Answer 9

The maturity factor has lots to do with it. I know 9 and 10 year olds who would be fine home alone for a couple hours. But I also know some people around 16 who would(not a metaphor) burn their house down given enough time.

Answer 10

18

Answer 11

This is based on trust and responsibility. I had 4 kids. Only one was one I could not leave alone at 12 and that was the oldest girl. When I tried to, she had her friends over, played my records and scratched them, never did her chores or homework, and when I came home the place was a mess.
The other 3 were no problem. They followed the rules and we got along fine. Could be they were just better at covering up, but at least I thought they were trustworthy.