I have to work until 4:30 tomorrow and my children (ages 5 (almost 6) and 8) get out of school at 3. I live in a secure building so there is no worries about anyone getting in. They would go into the apartment and stay there until I get there. I have left them before for short periods of time, but never this long. I was staying home by myself at this age. Just wanted some opinions on this. Thanks.
2007-12-20 03:32:56 · 16 answers · asked by Heather B 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I don't think it's horrible. Will they have access to a phone? Or is there a neighbor in the building that you can trust to be there for them if they need to be?
2007-12-20 03:40:10 · answer #1 · answered by Cruz and Kinsley's momma 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think that if you're worried about it...it's a sign not to do it. What if they visit a friend while you finish up the end of the day? any family live in the same town? I think that the 8 yr would be okay, but what if something happens to one of the younger ones, would the 8 yr old know how to handle? Maybe after today, you and your children can get together and establish rules and regulations for future times when a bit longer will be needed. Good luck!
2007-12-20 03:42:14 · answer #2 · answered by karamell08 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They are too young to be arriving home alone at that age.
What if someone follows them from school / the bus?
What if one of them falls on the steps and hurts him/herself?
What if one of them has been feeling sick all day but didn't want to say anything in school?
What if they get home to find a gas leak, or a burst water pipe, or the heating's failed, or a fuse has blown and it's dark?
What if the child who you've trusted with the key loses it, and they can't get in?
There's a big difference between leaving a child in a secure location for a short time, and expecting him to go home on his/her own. I really recommend that, if it's just for this once, you grovel either to a neighbour or to the mum of one of your children's friends, and see if they can look after them for an hour.
2007-12-20 03:52:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
this certainly isn't a good idea and definitely not safe...what if one should get hurt...and lets mention the legal issues...every state has a law in place the determines at what age a child can be left alone...you don't want the state (child protection)at your door..should somebody make a call on you...I know for a fact that in every state you can apply at you local social service department for childcare assistance...it's not a hard application..and won't take long to get approved...
2007-12-20 04:00:07 · answer #4 · answered by ~Jenny~ 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That seems young to me to leave them for that long. And, legally, I don't know what the ages have to be. You don't have a neighbor or someone who could watch them. I would be worried about a fire or something like that.
2007-12-20 03:37:56 · answer #5 · answered by Green Eyed Girl 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
they really are too young to be left alone at all. at the very minimum i would have a trusted neighbor check in on them about every 10-15 minutes if you absolutely MUST leave them without someone there constantly. child welfare would take your children away if they found out you were leaving them. sorry, i know its not what you want to hear, but its the truth.
2007-12-20 03:48:10 · answer #6 · answered by 4Xthe fun 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Your children are a little young to be left alone. I would just be careful. Some people might want to get you in trouble for that.
2007-12-20 03:42:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
absolutely no way anyone should leave children at that age alone. it doesnt matter how long or short of a time period it is. you hear everyday of bad things happening when the parents believed it to be completely safe. trust me things happen all the time and a gated community is not going to stop someone. dont take the risk please
2007-12-20 03:41:21 · answer #8 · answered by tatumnic 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Thats way too young...an 8 year old cant watch a 5 and 6 year old....anything can happen in 5 minutes...also you could get in trouble for this
2007-12-20 03:37:53 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
in most places its actually illegal to leave kids alone under the age of 12 for ANY amount of time...
what if they didnt make it home??
find a baby sitter or ask if they can go to a firends place for a short while..
2007-12-20 03:58:10 · answer #10 · answered by CF_ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋