Kid's alone in the house...?

Question

At what age my pre-teens (or teens) can stay alone in the house(with a cellular phone on hand) to give my time to go for a dinner or a movie with my wife?

Answer 1

That depends on your kids. Where I grew up, it was very common for 12 and 13 year old boys and girls to babysit. I figure, if they're old enough to babysit, they're old enough to be home on their own. There are other factors, too-- health (sickly kids shouldn't be left alone because it only takes a minute for something to go very wrong), safety (if your home is in a dangerous place), trust (have your kids ever done anything to make you believe they couldn't be home alone), & time (how long will you be out. If you can keep it to 4 hours or less, your kids should be fine.) In general, though, if they're a teen, they can handle it.

Another thought is... do it on a Thursday or Wednesday, when all their friends are in school and half aren't allowed out. That way, there's no easy way for them to get into too much trouble. :)

Answer 2

The age will differ from one child to the next depending on how mature the child's attitude is. You will probably have to judge that yourself. My son is only 6 and I think in a couple of years he would be ok to be left for say 20 mins - half an hour during the day if I had to go to the corner store or something.

If you are intending on leaving for a dinner that would mean it would be night time. I suggest you give your kids a bit of practise at staying home alone during the day for atleast 6 months and see how they go.

The laws are also different from state to state so you really have to be vigilant that nothing could possibly go wrong. If the house burns down - you could end up being charged with neglect or criminal neglect. So bear that in mind and make sure your children are aware of any safety procedures, your contact number and where to get help in an emergency. (eg: next door neighbours or a friends house who is close by)

Answer 3

I personally wouldn't leave my kids alone at any age. I could tell you horror stories of what I used to do when my parents were away.
In all seriousness it depends on the maturity of the teen. I think 13 is an alright age to leave a kid alone for a short period of time. So you and the wife can have a date night. As for overnight I wouldn't leave the teen alone till 15.
Good luck to you.
My parents always told my noisy neighbor when they were leaving so they always found out what I was up to when they were away. If you have any neighbors such as this, inform them you are leaving and to keep an eye on the house. But in my opinion no younger than 13. ^.~

Answer 4

Each state has laws about that, I believe the average age is around 13. Check the babysitting laws in your area, it will have an age minimum, that's a good place to start. I realize all kids age differently and whatnot, but there are things older kids and adults know how to do instinctively that a mature younger child would not think of. Good luck!

Answer 5

I stayed alone starting from when I was about 10yrs old, but I was a pretty well-behaved only child.

Answer 6

i think legal age is 13 but some people leave them alone at earlier age... although i personally wouldn't

Answer 7

most states have laws about it but you have to decide when your ready for them to be alone and if they are responsible enough to be left alone i trust my 10 year old more than i do my 16 year old if you have taught them responsibility and what to do and not to do and they have earned your trust then its OK if you know they will do something stupid or harm them selves don't leave them alone you nkow if you can trust them or not CAN YOU?

Answer 8

13or 15

Answer 9

i believe in AZ it is age 13 not sure though call your local pd non-emergency number and ask if you are concerned

Answer 10

14 at least