Can I leave my almost 9 year old son home alone?

Question

I will start a job soon, and i get out at 3:00 PM. My son gets home between 3:00 and 3:15PM. I will be home by 3:10PM. So he would only be home alone for 10 to 15 minutes. I've asked him, and he says he feels comfortable and that he is ready. He is intructed to call me as soon as he gets home, and we are practicing him opening the door, and his 10 minute routine when he gets home. He doesn't have to walk from a bus stop, since it drops him off right at out doorstep. So I'm wondering if there are other people out there who have done the same, and what they thought.

Well this is only for a few days until he gets a new route set up for his bus to the day care. No he can not stay at school. And I do have neighbors who could keep an eye on him, to make sure all is ok. So no its not a forever situation, I myself dont feel comfortable with this as a long term deal, instead of berating, I was looking for people who have gone through the same thing, or have some experience with it.

Answer 1

I wouldn't be so quick to judge. Even kids who are 5 or 6 in kindergarten or even younger go home alone and take care of themselves. They're otherwise known as "the latchkey kids". There are some kids who can run a whole empire by themselves, and there are those who can't even work a sink disposal without disaster. It depends how mature and responsible the kid is that is knowing to call you when he gets home, where to go if he can't get home(locked out, missing key, etc), to not open the door for anyone and how not to give out information over the phone, how to call the police and emergency services, how to operate appliances, know where everything is(food, kitchenware, fire extinguishers) how to escape in event of an emergency, what not to do/touch, and whether he can constructively entertain himself and get things done.

If he can follow all those things, then I suppose he can be left at home by himself. I didn't say definately, though. Why not find a babysitter?

Answer 2

The biggest problem is what happens if your car breaks down or something and you end up being delayed longer (perhaps much longer) than you think. And of course all the things you'd worry about with your 8-year-old being home alone for 5 hours could conceivably happen in the 15 minute span you're gone, even if you're on time. I think 8 is too young. If there are neighbors willing to keep an eye on him, couldn't he just go over to their house since it's only 10-15 minutes and it's not a long-term situation? Or couldn't you arrange playdates or other after-school activities for the short period that this will be a problem?

Answer 3

Isn't there a friend with kids at your son's school who could take him home for the few minutes before you return? After all, there are bound to be days when traffic is bad or you have to finish a task which keeps you later than you want to be. That stuff always happens and you need to know your son is safe and cared for. I work too, and my youngest is 10 (yesterday). My older kids are home after my son and his school is in our village and it's a very safe environment. But I still have arrangements with people to cover either end of the day if and when it's necessary. I'm sure there must be another mum who would be willing to help and you can always return the favour. I understand how difficult it is to balance this stuff and I do feel for you, but you know that your first priority is always going to be your son. You'll be a better worker too if you aren't worried about him. Best of luck to you both.

Answer 4

As you stated, he will call you immediately upon his arrival and you can keep him on the phone until you get there. 10-15 minutes talking to mom while she drives home isn't long at all. I would suggest locating a neighbor that's home around that time to watch from a window to make sure he gets in safely. You wouldn't be depending on them to babysit or care for him, but to be neighborly and look at him walk into the house until a routine is established.

Answer 5

yikes thats a hard one. I can see everyones points...i mean it does seem like if its only a few minutes it shouldnt be a big deal however ur state might not feel the same about that...and like others have said...why not just have him wait for you at the school....its safe and you know where he is and more importantly....if something were to happen he would be taken care of by someone at the school....but it all really comes down to what you want to do and what you and your son feel comfortable...good luck.....

Answer 6

I think thats okay. IF he goes straight home and locks himself in the house. NO playing outside or anything like that. I walked home when I was 9 and my mom got home about 20 minutes later. It worked out fine. JUST make sure he knows not to tell his friends he is home alone.

Answer 7

NO...he's too young, and easy prey. Is there a neighbor's home he can go to until you get home (perhaps with a child who rides his school bus)? What if you get delayed coming home and that 15 minutes turns into a half hour or an hour.

Answer 8

I think if he knows how to lock the door and is very responsible ten minutes should be okay as long as you don't have to work over time one of these nights then you should get a babysitter

Answer 9

I believe that at his age the state would consider it neglect, however, when I was his age I was able to come home alone get in the door call my gramma and walk down the field to her house.

Answer 10

i think he will be ok, its only 15 minutes and the busstop is right out side. its good youre going through a practice run. and not to open doors to stangers knocking at the door!