12 is old enough to be home alone, right?

Question

my brother is 12, not the most responsible kid in the world, but he has his moments. i have to go to the store for stuff for dinner. he'll be fine watching tv for half an hour won't he? he's half asleep on the couch already. i asked him if he wanted to go with me and he said "uhhh..", which lately i've guessed to mean "no". what do ya think?

nope Keisha just the grocery store. if i was going to do anything else(*wink*wink*), i'd be gone 2 hours, not half an hour.

Answer 1

i would say yes but ask your parents what they think unless you are his legal gurdian then it is your call

Answer 2

Well I believe there are actually laws out there that tell you how long you can leave a child at home by there self depending on their age. I think it also depends on how mature he is and how responsible he is. I think half an hour would be appropriate for you to leave him. Just make sure all the doors are locked and leave him a note to let him know where you are and that you will be back shortly.

Here are some guidlines I just found
Age Guidelines

7 & under Should not be left alone for any period of time. This may include leaving children unattended in cars, playgrounds, and backyards. The determining consideration would be the dangers in the environment and the ability of the caretaker to intervene.
8 to 10 yrs. Should not be left alone for more than 1½ hours and only during daylight and early evening hours.
11 to 12 yrs. May be left alone for up to 3 hours but not late at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility.
13 to 15 yrs. May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.
16 to 17 yrs. May be left unsupervised (in some cases, for up to two consecutive overnight periods).

Answer 3

I think it depends on your brother and how your parents would feel. You can always try it - go to the store - but tell him if he does anything irresponsible while you're gone you won't let him stay by himself again. Normally kids at that age or when they are at the point that people are letting them stay alone want to prove they are responsible so they can stay home alone. Give him some rules he has to go by - can't go outside, or can't leave the house etc.

Answer 4

I think what you should do is talk to your parents about it. I mean how would you feel if something happenend when you weren't there. Just check with your mom or dad and then maybe they won't mind and you don't have to worry so much about what decision you make. As for me if you leave him home for half an hour I don't see the harm but it should be your parents that make that decision.

Answer 5

I believe the law states that a person must be 14 to stay home alone, but if the person is responsible enough not to get into trouble, I'd say "go for it." You won't be gone long, after all.

Hope this works out.

~Tej Kohli (Navtej Kohli)

Answer 6

I dont think a twelve year old is alright to stay alone even for just a half hour. Just say something did happen a twelve year old might freeze up and not know what to do. If you got to run out have him tag along.

Answer 7

Tell him i am assuming you mean no mamm. Then say this indicates that you would like to stay home, I think your old enough to stay home alone for the amount of time i will be gone. Then leave a cell phone number if you have one. Tell him how long you will be gone and then just go. He is old enough to be left home if he wants to stay there.

Answer 8

I think that he is old enough because i am 12 as well. And my parents leave me alone with my little brother as well. So i hink he is old enough especially id its only to go to a store. but ask ur parents first just in case :!

Answer 9

I would say it depends how far away the store is if it just five or six blocks then yes he could but if it's not then i suggest that you make him go.

Answer 10

If your mother left YOU in charge of your brother it means the SHE doesn't believe he IS mature enough to be home alone...and considering that SHE is the mother and the one who is Ultimately responsible I suggest you call your mom and ask her what to do...or take him with you.

Answer 11

He probably is, but on the off chance that something happens to him while you are gone...you will be in so much trouble!! Can you call mom or dad and ask them what they think??