At what age can you start to leave your children home alone?

Question

I am wondering at what age would you consider leaving your oldest child to babysit the younger ones?

Answer 1

i think it depends on their level of maturity mostly, but i would imagine at about age 12, and with a neighbour next door just incase they needed help.

Answer 2

it depends on the child, i was left alone around 8 for short periods of time during the day, and always had neighbors nearby. i wasn't allowed to use the stove, but could use the microwave, stuff like that. i started babysitting at 12. i was home alone at night around 10. However we lived in a very small town where everyone knows everyone and the cops highlight is when the donuts are delivered. litterally. the chief stands in front of and guards the donut case. the only excitement is when the search the school and find drugs in a locker for them.

I think it all depends on where you live, your relationship with your neighbors, etc. the biggest thing is the maturity of the child and if they are ready for it, and if babysitting others, how well prepared they are for an emergency. have them get cpr certified, take a basic first aid course, this will help them cope with it if something happens.

Answer 3

It depends on a lot of things.

What are the laws in your state?
How mature is your oldest?
How many kids would they be watching?
Does the oldest child want to babysit?
DO the younger kids respect the older child?
Do you live in an area that is safe?
Do you have a plan for emergencies in place?
Is the oldest a worrier or does he/she get scared easily?
Do the kids have serious problems with obedience?

Think about these questions and make your decision. In our family we though 13-14 was a good age for a couple hours here and there.

Answer 4

In England, there's no legal age for a babysitter to be, but "the the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) advises that no child should be left alone under
the age of 12, or overnight under the age of 16. Even a short stretch without a parent or another adult around can be distressing and lonely for a young child. Most 8-13 year olds, even if they feel happy about being left, may not be ready to cope in an emergency." I'm 13 and I have a younger brother who's 6. My parents totally trust me to look after him. I look after him when they have to work during school holidays, or when they go out occasionally for a few hours in the evening, so they trust me to put him to bed. He's not difficult at all, although he does push the boundaries occasionally! Looking after him gives me a taste of responsibility and makes me feel like I can actually give something back to them for being such great parents! My mum always has her mobile on her and switched on, and my mobile is always with me with credit so that if there's an emergency, I can call someone straight away. I'm even considering babysitting as a way of getting extra money during holidays because I've made friends with a few of the parents at my brother's school, and they say that I can come and babysit anytime! lol. I've also got a big family with 11 uncles and aunties, with most of them having children younger than me who I can babysit. However, most of them live in the Midlands, and i live i London, so I can only babysit those who are near to me. It's great that adults who don't know me as well as my family trust me to look after their kids! Hope this helps!

Answer 5

I don't know about other states, but in California, a child can be legally home alone and/or babysit when he or she is 12. I would suggest the older child be at least 14 to babysit, because at the age of 12, you cannot fully assume that your child can take care of himself or herself. Usually at age 14, he or she will be able to take care of others including himself or herself.

Answer 6

I would say 12 but it also depends on their maturity level and how responsible they are.

I leave my ten year old home alone...but no more than 2 hours. It is legal. I have talked to the police department and child protective services prior to doing this just to make sure. They said as long as the child knows how to dial 9-1-1 and has a fire escape route, and obviously a phone then no problem. They even said he can babysit the 7 year old as long as she knows how to dial 9-1-1.

Answer 7

I wouldn't until they were at least 11, at the earliest. But legally most states don't have an actual law about it. I live in CA and my 8 year old neice stays home alone and its legal. I know cause I was concerned about it and I called CPS, not to report the parents but just to ask...and they said that there is no age that makes it legal. They said, it depends on the parents and if they think the child is mature enough. I don't agree but its not my call.

Answer 8

Well, it depends whether or not she/he can handle the responsibility. Since we don't know the ages of your children and how their personalities, we won't be able to come up with the right ages. My parents let me stay home with my sisters since I was 12, so yeah, but I really think that 12 and up are the right ages because people at that age will know how to handle messes and problems and know when and if calling the police is necessary.

Answer 9

The legal babysitting age is 12.

Answer 10

It definatley depends on the maturity level. If its a boy maybe 16 if its a girl maybe 14 i wouldnt go any younger than that. I have 2 kids of my own and thats the ages i would go for.

Answer 11

It really depends on how responsible your child is and how much you trust them, but definitely no earlier than 13 years of age. Start with short time slots at first and see how they deal with that before moving on to longer babysitting duty.