its only for two hours twice a week and there is a neighbor available to check on him, does this seem neglectful?
2007-09-09 10:23:34 · 55 answers · asked by beth_4_16 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
IT IS JUST PLAIN STUPID!!!!!!
A parent who does that is neglectful. I believe it is illegal. But more important it is VERY dangerous!!!!!!
2007-09-09 10:27:14 · answer #1 · answered by Penny 5 · 6⤊ 3⤋
I think it would be pretty easy to get a babysitter, but it just depends on your childs maturity. I you and him are comfortable with him being alone then I would say go with it. Maybe you could have the neighbor check in on him or you could call him every 45 minutes. make sure he knows emergency numbers and the neighbors number if he needs any help I would also specify that he would not be able to play outside the house (unless in your fenced in yard or something)But I do not see it as negletful I was left alone when I was 8 for an hour or so and by grama is right next door. It might be illegal though.....
2007-09-09 11:13:23 · answer #2 · answered by twixerella 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In New York, according to the CPS website it is NOT illegal. There is NO set age for being home alone. The judgement falls on the parent. I was fine at 8, other kids may not have been.
Does he know how to use the phone properly? Does he understand what 911 is for? Does he understand 911 is not for jokes? Can he call you at any time during those 2 hours? Do you have snacks prepared? If you're asking, you probably think he's okay alone. If you doubt your decision for a second, don't do it. Only you can decide.
2007-09-09 13:16:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is illegal to leave an 8 old year home alone with out a sitter in the house. I think the law allows a 10 old year to stay at home alone with a neighbor near by in case of an emergency.
2007-09-09 10:36:05 · answer #4 · answered by Aliz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may not be illegal in your state. If you feel your 8 year old is responsible enough, then why not try it? Some 8 year olds are more responsible than a lot of 10 year olds or more immature than a lot of 6 year olds. Only you know what your child is capable of. Is your child familiar with 911? Does you child have phone numbers of emergency contacts memorized? Does your family have a fire plan that your child is well acquainted with? I leave my 9 year old home alone when I go grocery shopping in the late afternoon, I have since she was 8 1/2. She hates shopping. I was raised in the prime of the latchkey kid phenomenom when it was normal for us to go home and be responsible for younger siblings..
2007-09-12 09:11:13 · answer #5 · answered by Denise S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need to check your state to see if this illegal. Most have recommended guidelines while only two states have laws on the books regarding neglect. Here's a link to check your state.
http://www.nccic.org/poptopics/homealone.html
I personally don't think it's a smart choice. Even if your child is a little more mature they are not responsible enough to handle emergency situations not to mention who would help out if he got hurt. I think it's too risky. Mine won't be left alone until at least pre-teen. Little hands can get into all kinds of trouble because they are naturately curious.
2007-09-09 20:01:44 · answer #6 · answered by Orion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on his level of maturity. Personally, I would be home alond when I was 8... but it was after school for 1-2 hours before my parents came home from work... and it was a LONG time ago. It is not illegal, but he needs to have access to food that does not reqire cooking. He needs to know not to answer the door, to never tell anyone he is home alone, and call and check in at random times. Things are a lot different now since i was a kid...
2007-09-09 10:57:29 · answer #7 · answered by Tiggy's Momma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what state you are in, but here in Texas there is no law that states a specific age a child can be left home alone. These leaves a lot of room for personal interpretation. The child has to be mature enough and able to provide/have food, shelter, and security--even if that's only knowing how to call for 911. I have 1 8 yr. old that would prob. be okay home alone and another that probably won't be ready until she's 30. If you are worried about the child's safety go check on him/her and worse case scenario call CPS....but make sure you can warrant the call and back it up b/c it can cause havoc on a family.
2007-09-09 10:38:49 · answer #8 · answered by Britt 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I got an Idea, have the neighbor sit for you, it's only for 2 hours twice a week, so that isn't much, If my neighbor asked me to keep an eye on her kids for 2 hours I would. It's not like your leaving him there all day. And if they are good Neighbors they will understand that you need to go out, and they would accept to take care of him.
2007-09-09 10:30:27 · answer #9 · answered by Bigtymer-235 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Neglect - to pay no attention or too little attention to; disregard or slight:
It "may" not be illegal to leave a 8 year old at home, but you do have the necessary precautions in place (neighbor). But it all comes down to the question............can your 8 year old handle being alone? if not, its just best to leave him with a babysitter. And even then better safe then sorry.
2007-09-09 10:30:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't do that even to a 10 year old because I know my children and they can't handle even 15 minutes alone. However, despite the fact that it really isn't legal in any state, you will have a neighbor checking on him/her....so, why not have the child sit with the neighbor for those 2 hours?
2007-09-09 10:27:51 · answer #11 · answered by plastic 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋