at what age do you feel a child is old enough to be at home alone for 1 hr as a parent goes to the store?

Question

my son is very mature at almost 11 but as of yet i havent let him be at home alone for more than 5 minutes... if it even counts since i was down the street just seeing how he and his 7 yr old brother would react to getting off the bus and our not being home.
to my surprise the just came in and started their homework and got them a water.
at what age do you think i could run to the store alone and let the 11 yr old be in charge knowing he has a direct link to my cell and the neighbors ( small country town).

Answer 1

You may see if there is a state law. I know here in Washington St. The oldest child has to be 12. I'm sure it varies and some states may not regulate this issue. Your children sound responsible and trustworthy. If you trust who you've taught them to be then you shouldn't worry. I remember staying home alone with my sister after school for about an hour. I was 9, she was 7; this was 15+ years ago in the Midwest.

Answer 2

A 10 year old (depending on their maturity level) I think can be left alone about 20 mins. to a half an hour at the MOST. BUT that is by themselves with NO ONE else for them to look after. Throw in the autistic brother and no I agree with you. Although it does depend on the severity of the autism on whether the autistic child should be left with an untrained (in having to deal with autism) babysitter but in NO WAY should it be a 10 year old and most certainly not for an hour. I don't remember how long ago it was 3 maybe 4 years ago but I remember reading about a 10 year old who was left alone in California and ended up burning down the house and the surrounding woods near the house. I'm sure some quick googling will find it. Leaving a child that young alone has a LOT to do with maturity.

Answer 3

12

Answer 4

I have 2 boys aged 9 and 11. They can be left alone for about 3 hours at a time. If school gets called off they will be home for the day by themselves. They have both my and my husbands cell phones numbers to call and know where to call or go in case of emergency. I will tell you that having them home together is comforting. However, if left for the day, there is no telling what kind of crazy things they may have done!

Answer 5

I think that for a mature child that knows what you expect of him 11 is a fine age to leave for an hour. If you want see how he would handle it go to a friends house and have them call the house or knock on the door to see what he would say or do without you there.

Answer 6

My daughter is the same age & i often will leave her at home for half an hour or so if i go to the shops. She is mature & knows the rules. We also know everybody in the street. I would never leave my daughter alone early in the morning or when it is dark. You need to use common sense & your own judgement.

Answer 7

The law says 12.

If your neighbor is officially 'keeping an eye on him' whether or not she actually is, then you might be okay at almost 11.

If legality is not an issue, only maturity....you've answered your own question. It sounds like he is capable.

Answer 8

by himself he would be okay but not left in charge of a 7 year old for 1 hr. If God forbid something happened to your 7 year old he would blame himself for the rest of his life

Answer 9

here in the UK they have guidelines about this

not to leave children on their own unless they are over 14 for boys and over 12 for girls

Answer 10

depends on the child if you trust him....then you can make that call. i think 10-11 maybe