if the parent leaves the house?
2007-11-17 07:16:40 · 23 answers · asked by Ramona 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Hi,
This really depends on how mature the child is.
If you feel happy that the 10 year old is sensible enough to look after a 3 year old, then trust your judgement.
I wouldn't leave them for more than an hour max though but that's just me.
Legally (in the UK) their is no minimum age to be home alone/baby sit, It's just a case of if the child is mature/responsible enough.
If you're still not sure, give Social Services a call, they are most helpful and should re-enforce what I've said.
Bottom line, if your having doubts, then maybe he/she is probably not mature enough.
If you are considering it but just worrying about the legal side of it, then go for it.
Hope that helps
Danny
2007-11-17 08:05:36 · answer #1 · answered by Danny 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I think 10 is a bit young, but it all depends on the child.
When I was 9 my mom just began leaving me in the house alone for short periods of time. We lived in a condo - so when the garbage had to go out it had to go to a dumpster which was about 5 minutes away. She'd only be out of the house for about 15 minutes.
When I was 10 I think I stayed home several times on my own - with nobody else.
I dont think that I would give a 10 year old the responsibility of watching a 3 year old. 10 is still a child..
My opinion? no. dont leave the 10 home with the 3. (If you were leaving the 10 alone for less than an hour alone, thats different)
2007-11-17 07:25:00 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, anything can happen. It only takes a second for an accident to happen and a 10 year old cannot solve many types accidents, they are just a child their selves. That is why there are laws about the age of children that can babysit.
2007-11-17 07:51:31 · answer #3 · answered by bubbas mom 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a 10 y/o stepson and I never leave him alone. Not because he can't be trusted but just because I don't think any 10 year old is ready, especially to be responsible for another young child.
2007-11-17 08:20:52 · answer #4 · answered by shortimom27 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Define "leaving the house". I have a ten year old and a 21 month old. I am very comfortable leaving the ten year old in charge for short time periods if I am away from the house but in close proximity, say doing yardwork or gardening. If I am not within earshot I would not allow it though.
2007-11-17 07:58:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't think that 10 years old is old enough to watch any child much less a three year old. I presonally wouldn't even leave a 10 year old alone.
2007-11-17 07:35:24 · answer #6 · answered by Lovemykids 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I have 10yo and 12yo niece's who I would be more than happy to leave my 2yo twins with. Both girls are very mature and extremely able to watch my boys while I run to the shop for milk (about 1/2 drive).
It depends on the kid. Chelsea (10yo) & Charlotte (12yo) have younger sisters and many younger cousins and are used to being around kids.
I would trust them before most of my friends and I have never ever had a problem with them watching my boys.
They have only done it twice, but it made my life heaps easier!
2007-11-17 09:35:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i would say no, a 3 year old left alone with a 10 year old isnt the best of choices because really you should have someone watching your 10 year old
2007-11-17 08:48:20 · answer #8 · answered by markhoad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to leave a child under the age of 12 alone at all. In a lot of states they have to be 12-13 to be able to babysit. I have only let my 10 year-old niece watch my 3 year-old when I ran to the store, but hubby was outside working on the car, so she wasn't really alone.
2007-11-17 07:26:04 · answer #9 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
no not even for less than an hour. they really arent mature enough yet. when i was ten my mom only let me stay home by myself when i got home from school till she got home from work, which was only like ten minutes, sometimes less. and i didnt start babysitting till i was thirteen, and i was babysitting 6 year old triplets.
2007-11-17 13:53:05 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ɭiɳdsay♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋