Home alone - Page 2

[greenmama]

In regards to "why" do I leave them, it is always because it is her/their choice- ie they don't want to go, and as I mentioned it is usually when I am doing a job on the land. She knows that when I am not in the house she may not use the stove or sharp knives( just as she may not use her pocket knife if I am not nearby)

[bhawkins]

I started leaving DS home alone for a few minutes at a time when he was ten. Now, at almost 13, I feel comfortable leaving him for several hours. He's a very responsible young man.

[operamommy]

I started leaving ds1 home alone for very short periods (30-45 min.) at the age of 12. Now at 13 I'll leave him for a few hours.

[ContentMom]

My oldest daughter is 12. She is very responsible and mature for her age. I feel comfortable leaving her home for a little while, if I need to run an errand. I rarely do, but there has been a few times. My kids usually want to go everywhere with me, so I haven't really had to think about this too much. I don't think there should be any set age, because every child matures at different rate. If I had to specify a certain age, then I guess I would say 12. My daughter could have handled it fine for a few years now, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with that.

[sdm1024]

I remember being left home alone for short periods as young as 9. I was babysitting at 12.

My olderst daughter I could trust for short periods of time, but I'm too chicken to actually leave her alone, plus I believe in NY there is a reg concerning what age is acceptable to leave a child unattended. I can see running to store and letting her stay home for 10-15 min.

I think that watching children handle doing other things alone is good indicator of their readiness to be home alone.I do let her go to yoga class at the Y alone...I'll drop her off, take her to class, but will either do something of my own during that time or run a quick errand. She also can go to the locker room/sit alone for a moment while I get her sibs ready. Again this is at the YMCA, so it's pretty contained. But, she has shown responsibility in doing those things by herself without me watching.