At what age do you think a child is mature enough to be responsible for himself?

Answer 1

It will vary from person to person. I have know very mature 15 year old that I would trust to take care of themselves, and I have know 40 year olds that can't be trusted to cross the street alone. The important thing is that parents give children responsibilities from a young age. Too many parents do everything for their kids, and they never grow up.

Answer 2

I have worked with kids for many years and I believe there is a vast difference between chronological age and emotional age. It is the level of emotional maturity and trustworthy behavioral demonstration which should really guide this answer. Also consider the length of time the child will be left alone. What situations could the child encounter? Are they prepared to handle these situations. If at home, is their a neighbor close by they could call in emergency...if in public there are so many dangerous people I would be most cautious until at least Jr. High but again emotional maturity is your guide. You are the expert on your child. Will they feel fearful?
Kim Ahrenholz, MA Life& Parent Coach www.beep.com/memebers/kim2c

Answer 3

Different places have different laws for this. Each kids develops at their own speed. Some are very mature at 8 or 9 and some never get very mature. As a rule most people work with the age of around 12-13

Answer 4

14

Answer 5

16

Answer 6

18

Answer 7

21

Answer 8

21

Answer 9

25

Answer 10

It depends on the child, if they are still living at home then you deal with even more of a gray area because it could just be that the kid/parents have never bothered really altering things. I think kids should be able to take on their own life in their 20s. This might not always be financially feasible but they should have the mental capabilities to handle their own life and pay their own way.