Generally speaking, at what age can a boy be left alone?

Question

He's ten years old. His female cousin is 11 and is left home when the parents go out, but she is much more responsible and mature. We need to be able to go out!!!
I know there are many factors, but as I said, generally speaking.

Answer 1

Depends on the boy. I left my oldest home alone for very short periods of time when he was 10, but I only recently started leaving my youngest alone and he's almost 13. The younger one is just not as trustworthy, sorry to say.

If you're concerned, then I would say listen to your instincts and don't leave him alone. Is there someone who can stay with him, maybe an adult friend or family member, so it wouldn't seem so much like a babysitter to him? Otherwise, take him with you if you have to go out, that's what we did, and explain that you don't feel he's ready yet. Our son lied and took other people's things, so I told him that if he could show me some better behavior I might consider letting him stay on his own. Not to say that your son would do those things, but you just have to use your best judgment.

Another idea is to sign your son up for the Red Cross babysitting course, not that he is planning on babysitting, but it will train him for what to do in an emergency, how to answer the phone if he's alone, etc. I think they have to be 11 before they can take the class, but once he's trained you may feel more comfortable leaving him. We always locked the doors when we left, told him not to answer the phone or the door, and made sure he knew the cell phone number.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

10 is an alright age but the best thing to do is to wait a few more years, at least another year. Tell him he could after you see how responsible he is over the course of a month or so. If he seems more responsible, then go ahead and let him stay alone.

Generally speaking though, 10 or 11 in the extreme case that there is no other option. 12 is a better age.

Answer 3

i would say the mama would know the best if the child if ready... educate the child of what not to do and what to do in case of emergency... also try going to the store for a bit and see how the child feels about being home alone... why not get him an older cousin or someone to hang out with while u go out?? or a 14 or 16 year old from the neighborhood or a teen babysitter from church or school... cheaper and legal that way!!! then the 2 can get in trouble... one thing to remember if u leave a 10 year old home alone and something happens the parents will get in trouble maybe even arrested for neglet of the child... not worth it!!

Answer 4

35!

really, though,the parent should be able to trust that the child isn't going to burn the house down, snoop through things they shouldnt be, do drugs (although at ten im not realy sure if thats problem or not) have parties, do what their asked to do and al that good crap. Do your instincts tell you that he cant be left alone? Listen to your insticts and not what everyeone else is telling ypou. give hiim a test/. Go to the store for an hour. Let him stay home. See what happen.s. make sure a neighbor is keeping an eye on him from a distance, but see what happenes

Answer 5

This is the law in California: I would urge you to contact your local law enforcement agency, like the city police or county Sheriff's office to get the specifics for your area. This is what I did in my own county, in California, some time ago, when I was heading up a hotline for kids left home alone. In our area, it is considered illegal for children under 11 to be left home alone. But, the law enforcement agency warned me that any child left home alone is at risk, and if anything should happen to the child, such as a burn or traffic accident, the parents could be arrested for child abandonment. The officer told me that it was a "big gamble" whenever you leave children home alone.

Answer 6

It depends on the child and their maturity. We know of a family that left their mature 12 year old son in charge of the younger siblings. No people until a nosy neighbor called CPS. That's what caused the problem, not the kids.

In spite of what "tabithap" says, states don't always have a minimum age requirement. so it isn't illegal to leave an 11 year old alone.

You know your son. You are the parent.

Answer 7

Well it really all depends on your kid. My daughter is 9 going on 10 and I know I could leave her alone for an hour or two and she'd be fine. Although I would only do this during the day..not at night. If your looking to go out at night then I would still recommend a sitter til 12. It's still all about how mature your kid is and if you know you could trust them to be safe.

Answer 8

I would NEVER leave my son home alone at 10 years old. I remember the things I was getting into at that age, and there wasn't even as much TO get into back then. As a matter of fact, I think that it's illegal to leave your kids home along tht young, anyways.

At night, ESPECIALLY? Absolutely NOT. Arrange for a sitter. An older teenage boy would be great, as your son wouldn't see it so much as a jail sentence. Wait until he's thirteen.

Answer 9

Ive left my 9 year old while I run to the market or to daycare to pick up his brother, but usually not longer than that; he just isnt mature enough for more, and he IS a boy! In a year or so, he might be ok while we go out to dinner, but it depends on his maturity level; all kids are so different.

Answer 10

To me 10 is just not old enough. I think 13 is a good age to start. I wouldn't leave him alone especially if you don't think he is mature enough. And if you have to or want to test him. Tell him you are going to run to the store and leave. Give him all instructions on being alone and then leave. park your car down the road walk back and watch him. Best way to know. I think if you need to leave him alone and think he might be ready I would do several trials first.