my daughter is 11 1/2 is she old enough to stay home alone?

Question

our town has no specific age

Answer 1

if she know enough not to let strangers in. and seem a tad responsible probably yes. if not, no.

Answer 2

I would think she'd be o.k. to be left alone If you want start by going on short errands. It als depends on these factors. If you feel she is ready for it. If you live in a town like mine where houses are right next to each other and you know all your neighboors. Where I live my kids go to different schools. My 8 year old walks to and from school every day and has to be at home by himself while I pick up my daughter. About 1/2 hr. He has a cell phone on him all the time and calls when he gets in. Everyone walks home so he is not alone and our neighboors all know him and 2 or 3 work at home. He knows he can go there if he feels unsafe. We have to be a bit more savvy (He knows he has 911 on speed dial , not to answer the door if I'm not home..all the tricks of cars stopping and asking directions..run away) because we are closer to a city than the 'burbs but I really feel he isn't alone alone because of our friends around him -I don't worry and he is 8.5. If we were out in the sticks..I don't think I would but by 11 I'd think about starting.

Answer 3

It's a subjective matter, I would say yes, for short periods of time, make sure you talk about what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure she has a way of contacting you, cell phone, etc. I wouldn't leave her at night, or for extended periods of time. My daughter is 12 and she stays home for short periods by herself. It really depends on the individual child, as well as where you live and how long you will be gone.

What is meant when they say no specific age is that as long as nothing ever happens it's fine, once something happens that will change....it's like that in many places.

Answer 4

It depends on her. I know I can leave my 7 year old home long enough to run around the corner. (She doesn't know that there is someone upstairs to listen for her). She even called me to ask if she could have ice cream! She's also autistic, and must stick to the rules. If I tell her not to open the door for anyone, I'd better have my key, because she won't even open it for me.

How long do you plan on leaving her? Has she been alone at all yet? Is she capable of using the phone properly (and not calling 911 because her brother hit her and she wants him taken away!)? Will there be someone that could check on her?

Answer 5

If you feel she is mature enough a few hours during the DAY should be okay. I wouldn't leave her alone at night or for extended periods of time. Give her phone number, tell her where you'll be and ask a neighbor to just keep an eye on the house.

Answer 6

It depends. How responsible is she? What time of day? Will she need a meal? For how long? What is your neighborhood like? Is there someone nearby she can call for help if there is a problem? Does she want to be left alone or is she afraid? You need to consider all these factors and include her in the discussion.

Answer 7

If you think she is responsble enough, yes. In my town, they have to be 12. She's pretty close and girls tend to be more responsible. Give it a shot. Try it when you won't be gone too long and take it from there. Give her a shot to earn your trust. You may be very surprised at how well she handles it. That's what my Mom did, and we are very close to this day because she gave me a little slack but not too much and we totally respected eachother.

Answer 8

It really depends on her maturity level, not her age so much and how long you'll be gone too.

Is she responsible, understands how to handle herself alone, what to do in an emergency, etc.? If yes, then it's ok. I was allowed to be home alone at that age, but I was very responsible too.

How long will you be gone; a couple of hours is ok, over night, no.

Answer 9

i would say it really depends on her maturity level, and where you are going. if its just to the store for no more than 2 hours that would be fine. you should test her out. tell her your running down to the gas station to get gas and when you get back if your house isnt burned down then try somewhere further next time. also make sure you have some ground rules and they are posted on the frig. like no friends inside the house. no leaving..etc, the more trust you put into her the more respect she will give you.

Answer 10

that depends on her maturity level and how long she is going to be there by herself and hoe safe the neighborhood is. I started leaving my daughter home alone for a couple of hours when she was 12.

Answer 11

My mom tested it on me when I was 9 and told me not to go any where until she got home, but she came home early and caught me on the bike. So testing is a good idea. Later the same age I didn't leave considering the talk that mom and dad gave me, I wanted to be responsible. I think 11 is ok though.