2007-02-22 17:56:39 · 31 answers · asked by Maria C 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
I think it is young, even though I believe my daughter is mature enough, there are still times when she makes bad decisions. Her girlfriend is allowed to stay home alone for a couple of hours, sometimes she's home all day, but that is rare. But she has an older sister & older brother that are usually with her, but not always.
2007-02-22 18:12:23 · update #1
No I think that is rather young,still a bit immature!!
2007-02-22 17:59:38 · answer #1 · answered by molliehollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the child and if you have things set up to where they know what to do if there is an emergency. It also depends on the state that you live in because there are some states that will not let a child under the age of 12 stay home alone for any length of time. Also take into consideration the amount of time the child will be alone and what time of day. Try it for a couple of hours and then add an hour each time you leave if at all possible.
2007-02-22 18:05:19 · answer #2 · answered by angelwings091502 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the child. My boyfriend's little brother was around 9 when he was staying home alone. His older brother was 20 and his older sister was never home to babysit anymore. He handled it very well. He knew when he should go to bed. He knew not to answer the door. He knew how to call 911 if there was an emergency. His parents even let him have friends over when he was alone. He's a great kid. He's actually matured because of it, stays out of trouble, and has picked some great friends.
So my advice to you is that you should decide if your 9 year old is mature enough to make the right decisions! Not every 9 year old is like my boyfriends brother. There are some rebellious little kids out there! You should know your child well enough to figure that part out.
If you do let them stay home. Make sure they have stuff to do. Movies to watch, games to play, etc. :) Hope I helped you!!
(Also - I think the reason he did so well with staying home alone is because his parents usually went to bed very, very early. So it was like he was home alone anyway - just a little fyi so everyone doesnt think his parents are neglecting him or anything! Haha!)
2007-02-22 18:03:33 · answer #3 · answered by Laura787 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually no, most states don't allow it and also they are usually not mature enough to stay home alone. The youngest age most states and people are okay with are 11-12 years old. It depends on the child themselves and how responsible and mature they are as well as the state laws.
2007-02-22 18:00:57 · answer #4 · answered by breannejk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the 9 yr old and the length of time. If it's a fairly mature 9 yr old and it's only for a few hours in the afternoon, I don't see why not. My parent's left us alone all the time when we were that age, but there were three of use and we were fairly smart.
2007-02-22 18:01:51 · answer #5 · answered by tylw85 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In general , No. I just watched the news the other day saying that 9 years old is still young to stay home because they might panic if there's a fire or something you'll never know what's gonna happen. plus I have a 9 year old son who happens to watched the news that day. 15 or 16 is the best age for them to stay home.
2007-02-23 07:09:24 · answer #6 · answered by cmj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! My sister went to school to be a dispatcher and they told her it was OK, to leave a child alone at that age as long as they know how to dial 911, and not to stay home alone for long periods of hours. Maybe 20-30min. I would say, some children are very matured, but with all the crazy stuff you hear on a daily basis, yes we must have faith, but trust no one. You'd rather be safe than sorry! Think earth quakes, fire, predators, thieves, pedophiles...
2007-02-22 18:21:42 · answer #7 · answered by HOPE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 9 year old, and yes I do let her stay at home by herself. My husband leaves for work at 5pm and I get home at 6pm. Sometimes when my husband has errands to do she will be at home for a couple of hours.
In my defense I do live in a very upscale neighborhood and my daughter always has her cell phone with her. I believe it is up to the parent and a lot of other circumstances that determine if a child should be left home by their selves.
2007-02-23 06:18:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think children under the age of twelve should be allowed to stay home alone because things can happen and they might react wrong to it, for instance the microwave could catch on fire if they are using it, they are very young and need some guidance even though they may seem mature enough
2007-02-23 01:27:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it's not legal where I live. But I have left him at home for 15-20 minutes at a time before. But we live in a very safe suburban area and I let my mother (who doesn't live but 5 minutes away) that I was leaving him and if I didn't call her when I'd had enough time to get home, to go check on him and me. I don't feel comfortable with it but I have done it from time to time.
That's a judgement call for you.
2007-02-22 18:02:42 · answer #10 · answered by Angel D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hell no i didnt start staying home alone until i was like 13 and some months old i cant really remember. but my parents trust me that i wont burn the house down. well there was that one time. jk. ANYWAY 9 is way to young.
2007-02-23 16:49:37 · answer #11 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋