My son is almost 11 and I have never left him home alone..even to run to the store.Although quite mature, is there a legal age???
2007-04-22 06:44:48 · 18 answers · asked by sharpneedleinahaystack 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
OOOOPS THAT WOULD BE LEGAL:}
2007-04-22 06:45:37 · update #1
FLORIDA FLORIDA
2007-04-22 07:00:09 · update #2
well this question depends in which state you live inn, but for sure if a child is above 150 years old child it will be illegal in any state.
2007-04-22 06:55:26 · answer #1 · answered by tylenol 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It really depends on how mature your kid is. Ih he's "slow" and causes a lot of trouble it would be an older age. I was able to stay home alone for short periods of time when I was like 11 but not long periods like the whole day untill I was 13 and a half. Or maby even 14... memories foggy
2007-04-22 12:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
12
2007-04-22 06:55:08 · answer #3 · answered by kc 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I live in California and at the age of 11, it wouldn't be illegal to leave him home alone.
My sister leaves her 9 year old home alone when she goes to the store and he is home alone after school.
There really isn't a set age.
Your child has to be at least 7 years old before you leave them home alone. Any younger and it is considered neglect.
Personally, I wouldn't leave a child home alone unless they were 10 years old or older and mature enough to be trusted.
If your son is mature enough and you know you can trust him, then it is fine to leave him alone while you run to the store.
It was on the news the other day that a mom left her 7 year old and her 4 year old home alone with a neighbor looking in on them from time to time. It came out then that there is no law stating an exact age a child has to be to be left home alone. I know thats sounds bad but it's true. At least here in California.
2007-04-22 06:52:38 · answer #4 · answered by Tired-Mom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you can leave him alone for short periods of time now. Most daycares run to age 12 but the red cross babysitting course starts at age 11. If an 11 year old can babysit, surely he can watch himself for an hour or two. Just make sure you have established rules and procedures and that you are accessible by cell phone when you're gone.
2007-04-22 07:39:22 · answer #5 · answered by Sharon M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states (all but 2-3) dont have any set age - it is generally a judgement call on the part of the parents.
An 11-year-old(w/out any delay's or mental health issues) would generally be considered to be ok for a few hours.
It really depends on the child's maturity level and how responsible they are.
Used to work for child welfare.
2007-04-22 10:56:23 · answer #6 · answered by jillmarie2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember a girl that used to live around the corner from me, she was 12, this social worker said her mother would get in trouble if she was allowed to stay home alone. She said the legal age was 13, so that is what I've believed all this time. Hope that helps.
2007-04-22 06:48:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The legal age for a child to be home alone is 13 though my mother wouldn't let me till 14.
2007-04-22 06:49:14 · answer #8 · answered by saffron 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I honestly don't know what the legal age is. I've been left home alone since I was 8. I'm 14 now and I have to watch my 8 year old sister overnight while my mom is away.
2007-04-22 06:52:57 · answer #9 · answered by em<3 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It does depend on the state you live in. I don't think that there's any state where it is legal under the age of 12, though some states may have a higher age minimum.
2007-04-22 06:50:05 · answer #10 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would have to go along with everyone else and say 12. however. not for any long periods of time. I wouldnt be gone for any more than an hour at a time.
2007-04-22 07:58:45 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋