How old is ok for a child to stay home alone?

**mommy2many** · 01-28-2005, 01:44 PM

I was surprised tohear that my DD's friend stays home alone for about and hour after school each day. She is the same age as my DD (almost 10) and I honestly wouldn't think that is old enough. Am I just overprotective? I was thinking of telling the mom of her friend that her daughter could come here for an afterschool snack and play instead of being home alone.

**forestdale** · 01-28-2005, 01:50 PM

I think it might be too young to be home alone but I think it depends on the child and the neighbourhood. Ten might be ok for some kids, but 18 is too soon for others, kwim?

I'd offer to take her for that hour. The little girl might be ok alone but she might not like it and has no choice.

**sixfreds** · 01-28-2005, 03:10 PM

I think that is too young but all depends on how mature that child is and how comfortable the parent is.
My almost 12 will stay home alone while I take the younger ones to school and stuff like that but never more than an 1/2 hour to an hour.

Eileen

**Mamawolf** · 01-28-2005, 03:26 PM

I do think it is too young to be home alone, but this is coming from a latchkey kid from age 5.

I think it's wonderful of you to want to haver her come over to your house. Her mother may think so too! Perhaps she simply couldn't afford to hire a babysitter for that hour? What a nice person you are to think of her!

**Ellise** · 01-28-2005, 03:31 PM

Like Forestdale I think it depends on the child and neighbourhood. My DS did fine for 30 minutes alone between me & DH coming home from work.

**DaisyLady** · 01-28-2005, 04:12 PM

My youngestwas about 10 when I would leave them for a few minutes if I needed to go to the store. But then he had an older brother and sister here too.

My parents also lived just around the corner too. I usually made sure they were at home.

**slowtypinwoman** · 01-28-2005, 08:02 PM

On NTE we left Alex alone. We were just up the road and we called every half hour and went home twice. That was a special time. We were only gone for a couple hours. I'm not sure I'd do it every day.

**homesteadmamma** · 01-28-2005, 08:06 PM

The law in our province is you can't leave a child alone under 12. I think 10 is too young no matter how mature the child is. Course thats just my opinion.

**mom2mykids2004** · 01-28-2005, 08:36 PM

I have to agree. I think 10 years old is way to young to be alone. Alot of states have set ages that a child can't be left alone under, most are 12 or 13. But of course it depends on maturity also. That's very nice of you to offer to take her to your house though!

**pkellyc** · 01-28-2005, 09:51 PM

In the state of Connecticut if you leave a 10 year old home alone and something happens you will be arrested for neglect.

**Early Bird** · 01-28-2005, 11:24 PM

How would you find out your state's laws on this? I tried googling, but came up with a bunch of extraneous material.

**pita1213** · 01-29-2005, 01:21 AM

i leave my daughter alone when i take ds to teh bus stop, but the bus stop is across the street and i can see teh front door from where we stand. i have left my son home when he's sick( bad cold or something not throwing up) to pick up my daughter from her school. it's right out our back door.anything other than that, i wouldn't leave a child under 12 or 13 home by themselves. there is too much that could happen they just just can't handle.

**pip** · 01-29-2005, 12:02 PM

I did a google search on my state (MN) and found that 8,9, and 10 year olds can be home during the latchkey hours (before and after school). I believe then, up to age 16, can take care of other kids as long as the parents are expected home sometime during the day. A 16 year old can watch kids for 24 hours.
That being said, I think it really depends on the maturity of the child. Some kids are quite mature at age 10, some 16 year olds shouldn't be left alone!

**pkellyc** · 01-31-2005, 01:59 PM

When my oldest dd started asking to stay home alone. I called the department of child services to ask. I agree with them and the others who posted here 12.

**brix** · 04-26-2007, 06:12 AM

Personally, I think this is too young. The state of South Carolina however, states that an eight yr old...if properly versed in emergency procedures and emotionally fit...is acceptable. I'd be afraid my 9 yo ds would destroy our home if left alone for 10 minutes much less an hour. (lol)

I hope your back is better soon. One thing that really helps mine...epsom salt bath. I've been a sahm for 3 yrs now and the changes in our finances and "liveability" of our home has been sooooo rewarding. My family gets good homecooked meals now, and clean undies all around...woohoo...go me!