Is a nine year old ok alone at home for 10-30min?

Question

My son takes the bus home from school some days. He takes it to his fathers house. His father is usually home from work when he gets there but just in case my son has a key. He has been home alone a few time for a short period of time. We have gone over important rule and he calls us right after he gets in and locks the door. What do you think about this?

Answer 1

For that short period, and if you and his father agree and your son is fine too. I would see nothing wrong with it. As long as he knows what to do in case of emergency too, which it sounds like he does.

Answer 2

My daughter is 9 and while she has not yet been left home alone, I think she would be capable of being alone for an hour or less. She knows important rules of the house and she knows what constitutes a true emergency. We have all our phone numbers posted by the phone as well as several neighbor's numbers. We live in a small community and our house is out in the country. Our bus driver won't let my daughter off the bus until I go to the porch and wave at him. I imagine if I let him know that I wouldn't be home and she knew how to get in the house, he'd wait until she was inside before driving off. He's a great older gentleman that really cares about the kids.

Answer 3

Its fine. I was a latch key kid when I was around that age. Everyone gets so up in arms and over protective. Kids aren't stupid- As long as he knows what he is supposed to do- as a rule and in case of emergency. He's gonna be fine. I was home everyday by myself for 1-2 hours every afternoon. And I would clean my room, play video games (okay atari- I'm 29), or just goof around and watch TV.

It's case by case- if a child is going to be destructive or can be trusted. But if you don't know that about your child- this is the least of your worries.

Answer 4

I don't think it's bad since it's only 10-30 min, but it's not the safest thing because just by the blink of an eye anything can happen. Maybe you should see if the dad can just pick him up after school make arrangements with the school.

Answer 5

I think its a good idea, thats about the age I was left at home with my sister who's 3 years younger, we were usually given a chore to do in that time before my parents got home, or we were just supposed to eat a snack and start our homework.

Answer 6

I'd say that 10 to 30 minutes is a good start for him to learn a little independence. Just make sure you go over the rules with him often, so that way it's always in his mind.

Answer 7

In Canada you can't leave a child alone in a home who is under twelve years old. You can check on this, but that is my understanding. If your child is a good kid [and you seem to have taken good precautions], I don't see much chance of you running into the law, but you never know ...

Answer 8

That would depend on the nine year old and how responsible and mature he is for his age - also if HE'S Ok with it. For the most part, I wouldn't think it would be a problem if it's just for a short time.

Answer 9

The only thing that bugs me is that if someone watches him and see he's always coming home alone at a certain time. Can he go to a neighbors or friend's house instead?

Answer 10

i personally don't feel it is safe , but there are many other things to consider. neighborhood, maybe some neighbors could keep an out for him until dad gets home. how mature the child is, is he easily influenced or cohereced? but these days the bad guys are so brazen, i would not leave a child alone till they are at least 15 or 16.