Is 12 years old to young to stay home alone for 3 hours?
2007-11-20 06:46:01 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Not too young if the child is responsible, has access to a telephone, and even moreso if it is during the day. Do you have any neighbors that can be called upon if needed?
2007-11-20 06:49:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, when I was 12 I stayed home alone for at least twice as long. I have a friend whose younger brother stayed home for up to 4 hours alone at 11.
2007-11-20 09:08:16 · answer #2 · answered by Zack H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
three hours once in a while or once day?
Once a day, I would not advise it. 12 year olds still need nurture and support.
However, in many states and countries 12 is old enough to babysit, so yes, occasionally, a 12 year old could stay home alone. If the child is mature and there are safety precautions in place, and the child feels safe and there is a neigbor to check up on him or her, then I would leave them alone for sure.
2007-11-20 07:12:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the maturity of the individual child, but as a general rule, I don't think 12 is too young to stay home alone. As long as ground rules are set (don't answer the phone unless it's Mom or Dad, don't answer the door period, etc.), the kid should be fine.
2007-11-21 12:54:04 · answer #4 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. It really depends on the child. If the child knows what to do in case of emergencies and is able and willing to follow through without panicking then yes. Three hours isn't really that long, I think it will be fine. My son stayed home by himself for a few hours several times and he was ten when we started letting him. We made sure to go over fire escape, who to call, etc... Good luck!
2007-11-20 10:49:47 · answer #5 · answered by shelly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so if the child is responsible and obeys rules even when your not looking. If your worried about it why don't you try leaving him or her alone for 1 hour a couple times to test the waters first and if all is well bump it up to 2 hrs and then 3.
2007-11-20 10:49:38 · answer #6 · answered by Chargers Chick 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, if you trust your child. I have been staying home alone since i was 8. Make sure your child has a phone and knows not to let anyone in the house or have anyone over.
2007-11-20 07:25:47 · answer #7 · answered by dinogirl 11/09/11 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think 12 years old is too young at all, especially as it is only 3 hours.
As long as you think the child is responsible enough, and you can trust him/her, there shouldn't be a problem at all.
As long as you leave them with a phone and yours or a family member's number, you shouldn't have to worry. Also if you've got neighbors you trust it'll be fine.
Good question. x
2007-11-20 06:58:04 · answer #8 · answered by Penguin♥ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is ok if you live in a safe area and it is during the day. A responsible kid might like a few hours by him/her self but may get scared if it is dark. Just leave your cell phone on and stay in the area!
2007-11-20 07:47:25 · answer #9 · answered by my two sense 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heck no! like when i was a kid i just stayed at home alone for 4 hours. just keep ur doors and windows looked and cover the windows. don't ever answer the phone or tell anyone ur at home alone.
2007-11-20 12:45:27 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋