At what age did you leave your child home by themselves?

Question

Is 12 an ok age?
what do working parents in the summer with kids that age?

Most camps stop at 11

Answer 1

I think it depends on how mature the child is. I have an eight year old that is very mature (he has 4 younger brothers and sisters). I sometimes leave him at home alone, but not for long periods of time (less than 30 min). When he is 12, I fully expect that he will be capable of caring for himself for longer periods. Heck, I babysat when I was that age.

Answer 2

I think 12 is ok; as long as your child knows the rules and that he/she is comfortable being by themselves. What is your neighborhoold like is another situation. It is up to you and your child and how comfortable you guys are. As a working mom myself I had to leave my son alone for a couple of hours during the summer and I had my mom go by and check on him. He never left the house and he never answered the door while I was gone. Plus I didn't work that far from our house. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

My cousins all started staying home at the age of 12, as did I but that was a few years ago. They have all been mature enough to handle it and know what to do in an emergency. And lay down such rules as no answering the phone unless you know who it is (providing you have caller ID) let an answering machine pick up, no answering the door, and not to be roaming the neighborhood.

Answer 4

I think it is different in every state. I would just check with your local police deparment or maybe someplace like the job council if you have one or a place that you could call for daycare referals. They would know all of that information.

I know in Oregon they have to be 11 or 12 to be left home alone and then 13 to be able to watch a younger brother/sister.

Good Luck

Answer 5

I was ten, but that was something like seventeen years ago.

You should try to find out if the State you live in has laws regarding that. Some states have laws that make it illegal for children under the age of twelve to be left alone.

My kids' daycare also offers an after-school/summer program for school-age children. They have special activities through the summer.

Answer 6

My parents left me home alone when I was 9 or ten with my sister who was 7 at the time.It worked out just fine.They made sure we could always call them at work or go to a neighbour if we needed help.
I think it depends on how mature your child is.
And to make sure that the child can go to someone in case of an emergency.

Answer 7

My parents left me at home by myself for the first time at age 11. They purchased an answering machine and told me to answer the phone only if it was them, or if it was an emergency and someone else had to call we set up a secret password that they would tell the person to say so I would know it was safe to pick up the phone.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

My mom left me home alone at 10. All kids are different. It depends on how much you trust leaving them alone. Is your child responsible? Can you trust him/her? Can you depend on him/her? It's all about what you feel comfortable with. If you're not comfortable look for other things the child could do during the day. ie stay with family or friends

Answer 10

My son was 12, but check with your local police department to see what age is okay in your state because some states have certain age limits