anyone think 10 yrs old is to young to stay home alone?

Answer 1

I believe legally they have to be twelve now, but I started staying home alone at 9 so I really think it depends on the kid.

Answer 2

I have left my 10 year old home alone for an hour tops (he'll be 11 in March). I write down my cell number, my husbands cell, and his grandparents numbers. He must clip the home phone to his pants and carry woith him through out the house. The numbers written are the only call he's allowed to pick up and the only ones allowed to dial (besides 911). I call him at the 30 minute mark to check in with him. He's not allowed to use any appliance so if he wants a cnack it's straight from the fridge or pantry. he's not allowed to answer the door either. He's very mature and I can count on one hand how many times we've allowed this. He can look out for himself for that period of time but I'm reluctant to let it go longer than 1 hr. I would never leave my younger son in his care though. That's too much responsibility for a 10 year old. I think it all depends on the maturity of the child. My brother and I were left home alone after school for 2 hours (it was called being a latch-ey kid back then) I was 9 and he was 5. I can tell you that for me it was scary. I did not like being responsible for my little brother at such a young age. You really have to know your chilc and what he/she can and can't handle.

Answer 3

When I was taking an education class, we had a child protection worker come in and tell us not to bug them if the youngest kid left alone was over 6. If there were children younger than 6 present, one child had to be at least 11.

I would say that it depends more on the child though. There are some 6 year olds who can handle being left alone and other 12 year olds who I'd be afraid that they'd like put popcorn in the microwave for 20 minutes and at least fry my zapperwave if not burn down the house!

Answer 4

First check the laws where you live - some places have a defined age that they can be home alone. Some are very vague - on purpose!

If your child at 10 can be trusted alone [would you trust them to bake cookies alone? to walk to the corner store alone? light a candle without setting the house on fire? ... you get the point...]

Some 10 year olds are very careful and methodical. As long as you believe it is ok, you have a very good safety plan in place [cell phone, 2 neighbors, emergency #s, fire escape plan...] and you aren't breaking any laws then go ahead! :)

Answer 5

That is a tough one. As a kid, my step-mom and dad worked a lot, so I stayed at home by myself often. There was never any problem, but then again I was by myself so I wasn't fighting with any siblings. I think it depends on if the kid is going to start fighting with their siblings, problems might arise in that case. When a kid is alone, nothing really happens. I used to use the oven by myself at that age and I used to bake cookies and cakes. For some kids it might not be the best idea. You really have to know your kid. Some kids might burn the house down, others may not.

Answer 6

It depends on the child and how they generally act and carry themselves.I would trust my 8 yr old daughter at home with my 4 yr old son more so then allowing my 14 yr old sister-in-law to come and watch them. Is your 10 yr old show thier capable on a daily basis?

Answer 7

I would say that is too young, my 10 year old is really mature for her age, but I still wouldn't leave her home alone.

Answer 8

Yes. In most states, it's not legal for a child to be home alone until age 12.

Answer 9

Yes, my daughter is 10 and I wouldn't leave her home alone even for 30 minutes. Too much can happen.

Answer 10

if u go to your child welfare office they should have a printout on how long at certain ages they can legally be left alone. i know in oklahoma at age 10 its no more than 30 mintues, but to me thats too young