Can a 10 yr. old stay alone at home, while I work?

Question

My daughter is very very mature and responsible. Some people are making their business to voice their opion on this?

I did my homework only 2 states have a legal age on staying at home. I called the police and they stated it is based on the maturity level of the child.

Answer 1

There is no law saying how old a child must be before you can leave them home alone. I used to work for DSS, we got this question all the time.
DSS wont get involved unless
1- the child is not mature enough(or has some special needs or behavioral issues) to be left for the period of time-ex a 10 year might be good for a few hours but not a few days.
2- the child doesn't know where the parent is and has no way to reach them.
3- the child is being asked to care for other chrn in the parent's absence and is overwhelmed.
4- the child is getting into trouble or doing something dangerous when the parent is gone - the parent in this case would have to be aware of it and allowing it to continue.
5- the child does not know what to do in case of emergency - fire, stranger at the door, etc

A 10 year old is an iffy age but if you feel she is mature enough and she is comfortable w it there shouldn't be a problem.
Now what "others" will accept varies - for ex in most major city's your friends may freak out at this idea in the country no-one would probably think anything of it.
Tell them all the red cross certifies babysitters at age 11 and even better when she turns 11 get her in the course.

Answer 2

I see your dilema and I definitely understand what you mean.There is not legal age in most states for staying alone at home and you should decide it on yourself and your daughter.I know what all people say about it - "at least 13-14 to leave her alone for an hour or two" - which is ridiculous but as I read the answers here...Anyway you should have information.A 10-year-old is ready to stay alone at home for a whole working day no matter how many people acknowledge that.Even if she was the kind of irresponsible at the age of 10 she is not a baby and knows how to take care for herself during work day.
When I was 7,my parents were working and they constantly left me alone at home.But there were no such rules which could forbid that.And my parents weren't even little abusive - they were and still are the most loving parents in the world.Being alone at home made me more responsible and capable of taking care of myself and not afraid of loneliness.At 7 I was mature enough and my parents had told me some things which might have happened then and I was ready to go out of the house if there was a fire(and even call the firemen if I have time,which my parents also taught me to estimate),I was explained how to handle other difficult situations,for example if someone is calling at the door and wants to use the phone(or to show me little kittens),etc.Of course there were situations when I didn't know what should I do and I called my mom at work to ask her,which happened rarely.And notice that it was when I was 7,not 10 as your daughter.I advice you to give her a phone number where she can find you wherever you are and leave the house happily.Don't worry - at 10 she is old enough to be left alone at home.

Answer 3

Actually, your state as a legal minimum age that your child can stay home alone. You need to check that out. Your social services/family services office would be able to help you out on that.

Usually, the average age is 12 years. Some states have it raised a little higher while some a little lower while others are iffy on the subject. The problem is if something happens while you are away and your child is below that age you will be charged criminally and loose custody of your daughter. Also, child services could be made aware by a nosey neighbor and report you. Also causing your child to go into foster care.

I think I can speak for others on here...as I know I'm just looking out for your interest. I know I wouldn't want to loose my son!!

Answer 4

i would say, don't leave her alone just yet. mostly because 12 is the legal age for a child to be left at home alone. you may also want to consider how long you will be gone and if there is someone she can go to if something was to happen. but if you feel like your child is completely ready then i guess let her stay but keep a close eye out on her until you know for sure that she will be alright.

Answer 5

Well, that can be a toss-up. 10 years old is a risky age today to be home alone. She could stay home alone, but on the other hand it is not a good idea. IF she is mature enough to be by herself for a few hours or so, then it will be ok. But you should have a close friend of yours or even a neighbor check up on her once in a while. What I recommend is to give a list of phone numbers in case of emergency.

Answer 6

Do you trust that she will not go outside or answer the door? Is she aware of what she can eat and if she were to have to cook it. Have you checked to see if there are any registered child molesters near your home? If you are sure that she is responsible enough to do this, then sure. But shouldn't she be in school at 10. How long will she be home alone? I personally would not leave my child alone at home at 10. But if it something you have to do, you can not help that.
Also you can call CPS (child protective services) and ask them. They can assess her and see if she is capable of being home and alone and if she is capable of handling an emergency. If they do not see it fit, you can be charged with child neglect regardless of her age. good luck.

Answer 7

I would say no. In Va there is no legal age for a child to alone at home. You can use day care up to and including age 12. If you do decide to leave her home alone, and a neighbor or someone else feels uncomfortable and calls social services, you will be investigagted and could be found guilty of child neglect or child indangerment. If your support circle is saying not to do this, I would rethink it. Even if they don't find you guilty or press charges-this info will hang around the DSS office for years and they will check in on you from time to time. It isn't worth the hassel.

Answer 8

If she is only home for a couple of hours maybe. But I think in most states a child has to be 12 to legally stay home unsupervised. If you are in doubt contact you local Child Protective Services or Social Services and ask them.

I was babysitting and getting paid for it at 10 or 11 but that was 25 years ago.

Answer 9

No, No,NO...What would she do if there was a home evasion. Is she mature enough to handle something like this? I have 10 year olds and although my daughter is mature I would never put her in that position. Ask yourself could you live with yourself if something happens to her? I wouldnt want that on my shoulders just so I could save a few bucks for childcare!

Answer 10

I started staying while my parents were at work at age 9 and kept my 4 year old brother until they got home. If you feel you can trust her then let her stay home. Do it on a trial basis for about 2 weeks and see how she does. If she does great then there shouldn't be any reason to have someone else there with her.