Leaving a child home alone

[kristi96]

When do you think its ok to leave a child home alone? For example to go get grocerys or go out to dinner with your spouse for an hour. I live in a very safe area and my neighbors are great. As far as I know there isn't a law in my state that says anything about this.

[Whistler]

Not sure but I think I was about 12? My mom was uber-careful though and I wouldn't be surprised if some moms do it earlier.

[Mama Mko]

When they're old enough to respond correctly in an emergency situation.

[kristi96]

My son is 12 and I've left him a few times for short periods. Really all he wants to do is have full control over the TV when I'm gone. Its the only time he gets full control and gets to watch all his cartoons.

[Katwoman]

Originally Posted by rebeccajo

When they're old enough to respond correctly in an emergency situation.

I second this.

[susienjay]

Originally Posted by kristi96

My son is 12 and I've left him a few times for short periods. Really all he wants to do is have full control over the TV when I'm gone. Its the only time he gets full control and gets to watch all his cartoons.

That's what my kids do when I'm gone too. I have a 11.5 year old and 9 year old. It's always short trips and I carry my cell but they never call me because they are generally just watching TV.

MD where I live has a law that the child must be at least 8 to stay alone and 13 to babysit. About the only time they stay alone is during my 5 year olds dance class. They hate going and it's just down the street so I'm okay with them staying here.

[philomom]

It varies by state law as well.

When I lived in Georgia... the rules according to my cop friend were that you could leave an 8-10 year old alone for "short periods of time". They may not however, be left in charge of siblings or other children until they are 13 years old.

I live in Oregon now and should check the laws.

[Ducky5306]

I was left home alone around age 10 but I had older siblings that would randomly be home at different points.. I started babysitting my sister at age 11 (she was 5) This started when my dad was in the hospital for afew months from emergency brain surgery.

But i think it depends so much on the child.. I don't think i'd leave a child younger then 11 though..

[annethcz]

Originally Posted by rebeccajo

When they're old enough to respond correctly in an emergency situation.

I agree. There is no law in my state, although different counties give recommendations. Last year our county sent recommendations home to all of the school kids. 8-10 year olds should be left home alone for short periods of time. 10-13 year olds could be left for a couple of hours. Teens could be left alone for most of the day. Of course, they stressed that each situation is different and that the maturity level of the child should affect the decision about whether or not to leave a child home alone.

I started leaving my kids home alone for a few minutes (to run errands, drop off my other kids, etc.) at around age 8.

[annethcz]

Oops. I also meant to post this link, it lists the legal age for children to stay home alone in each state, along with the citation.
http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchke...age-limits.htm

[Labyrinth]

Originally Posted by annethcz

Oops. I also meant to post this link, it lists the legal age for children to stay home alone in each state, along with the citation.
http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchke...age-limits.htm

That link is not accurate. For Illinois it lists 14 years old, however that is not accurate. This is the actual law

"any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor's welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety or welfare of that minor."

The law is subjective (which that link does not suggest). You can leave a 14 year old alone for whatever period of time you'd like and not be subject to neglect charges due to lack of supervision according to the law.

[kirstenb]

I was about 10 when my mom would leave me for short periods of time. I was a very responsible 10 year old though. I agree with the ability to handle an emergency situation.

[teale]

Originally Posted by rebeccajo

When they're old enough to respond correctly in an emergency situation.

This, this and this!

[pixiekisses]

Depends on the kid. But, when they're old and mature enough to respond correctly in an emergency situation.

[confustication]

DD is nearing 8, and is also nearing the point where we will start leaving her for 15 minutes to run to the store if necessary. I would never consider leaving her in charge of anything else- so if we did that, the dog would be in her kennel, and the baby would be with me.

She knows what to do if there's a fire or other emergency, and she has demonstrated prety good judgement in independant settings. She is allowed to walk the 3 blocks to her grandparents house or the library on her own- if she is carrying a portable walkie-talkie radio.

I know I was much younger (5?) when I was left alone for short periods of time, but I don't think there is ever a single correct answer. You know your child best. Check with your local law enforcement, then decide based on he law and your child's maturity.

[Dahlea]

I stayed home alone with my brother before my mom came home from work when I was 10 and he was 7.

[angie7]

I think it depends on the maturity level of the child. I was left alone after school from 3-6 everyday starting when I was 8 which I think was too young.

[Beckamomof4]

I started leaving my oldest home at 8, to run to the store or other short errands. I do believe it depends on the child...at almost 7, there is NO WAY I would leave my daughter home alone quite yet!

I also left him alone with the 2 year old to get my daughter from school...he was asleep. It took me almost an hour to come to the decision! But I know he would take him to the neighbors if need be!

[serenekitten]

Don't tell the cops, but I was an only child, mature for my age, and started being left home alone at about 7 or 8. I don't remember exactly how long. An hour at the most? Longer? Dad had a pager (before cell phones were affordable and EVERYWHERE). I knew 911 and how to tell them to get to our house if I needed to. There was never a problem.

[mamazee]

My dd will have a younger sister to take care of. I was 13 when I started babysitting, so probably when she's that old, and then we'll see for how long when I see how mature she is at that age.