Parents: At what age would you leave a child at home alone for 1hour?

[loudestchick]

I was wondering about legal issues as well. Any help?

[LiberalEsto]

1. 12

And I believe that's the law in my county.

[trof]

4. That was exactly my first thought, but

I guess it really depends on the kid.

[shraby]

2. Check with your state laws.

You could probably call the local police and get the information you need.

[HEAVYHEART]

3. Legally, I do not know

My daughter is 11 and I leave her at home to go grocery shopping.

[skygazer]

5. Legal issues vary from state to state

I was told by the DA in Vermont that technically I could be brought up on child endangerment charges because I left my 15 year old daughter home alone and the law was, I believe 16. But I don't know if that's actually true because he was a dick and had it in for me.

It depends on the kid, the situation and the area. My son, I would not have left alone for five minutes when he was 11 but my daughters were fine at that age. I lived in a nice rural area with good neighbors. So it depends.

In some states, the Red Cross will certify kids to babysit at 11 which would mean they were not only left alone, but left alone with smaller kids.

[chelsea0011]

8. so baby sitting is illegal in Vermont?

because many are under 16

[skygazer]

11. You got me

I honestly don't know if he was just scamming me or what. He had a hard on for me because my ex husband was a crook. I hated my ex more than the DA could possibly have and divorced him as soon as he was safely locked away in jail. But the guy saw me as just more trouble and not as a formerly abused woman trying to raise three kids on her own. :grr:

Law enforcement for the most part has no clue about what domestic violence is really like (apologies to any cops here but from what I've seen that's true).

[loudestchick]

9. I have left my 10 yr old daughter at home alone while I've run short

errands (about an hour)...my sister just threatened me over being so irresponsible...what if there were a fire? I said she'd go next door or accross the street...I'm a bit concerned.

[skygazer]

15. I would advise caution then

Whether or not she's really okay home alone, if your sister is the type to actually report you to social welfare, you would have a huge headache on your hands. Perhaps consider asking a neighbor to watch her if you have to run out. Or at least tell your sister she's with a neighbor when you're out. ;)

[trof]

18. There's 10 year olds and then there's 10 year olds.

Some will do fine and some won't.
I figure you know your kid.
And she's a girl, and believe me that makes a BIG difference.
Tell your sis to lighten up.

[BikeWriter]

14. The DA in Vermont sounds like an ass. n/t

[notadmblnd]

6. Michigan does not have a law about what age you can leave a child

alone. I have an 11 and 13 yrd old. The 13 yr old is fine by herself for a few hours but I can not leave them home together for fear that one would be dead by the time I got back. My 11 yr old I'll leave alone for quick 15 minute trips but I would not have faith in him to stay out of trouble for a longer period of time.

[trof]

19. Funny and true.

[chelsea0011]

7. I started late 9's, close to 10

But the above remarks are correct...it depends on the child.

[BikeWriter]

10. Stick 'em in your closet. They'll be okay.

:-)

[loudestchick]

12. Ok...but what about my sister and DFS?

[BikeWriter]

17. I was being facetious. It depends on the kid's maturity.

I also agree with most girls being okay at about 12, boya at ~45.

[Skittles]

13. girls, 12; boys, 45

yes INDEED :D

[gardenista]

29. lol

[SeanQuinn]

16. I was first left home alone for mom's quick supermarket trip at 11, now 12

n/t

[Midlodemocrat]

20. The first time I left my 12 year old home

with her six year old sister, to run, literally to the quickstop at the end of the road, the six year old fell and broke her arm. It still makes me sick to think about it. I felt so bad, and still do.

[cally]

21. I left my then 11 year old home for an hour

during the younger one's swim practice. I found out later that I broke the law. I think it depends on the child and the neighborhood. We had many friends in the neighborhood and at the first scream, they would come running.

[jmm]

22. I don't know the legal issues but

I think one thing parents should consider is the number of kids. My brother is only 17 months older than me. When we were 10 and 12 I think we would've been fine if we were each left home alone for an hour but if we were left home alone together...:scared:

[loudestchick]

23. I'm w/ you there! I wouldn't leave her in charge of anyone else...

just 1 10 yr old...the younger ones have to go w/.

[LSdemocrat]

24. Practically, it depends on the kid

Some just behave better than others

[B Calm]

25. Depends on the kid.

[HEyHEY]

26. I was left alone at 9 ..no biggie the cops always got their eventually

[loudestchick]

28. I'm sure they did. Small smart asses grow to be big ones! (Humor)

[Barad Simith]

27. 1 hour for every year

A 12-year-old can be left home alone for 12 hours. A 5-year-old for 5 hours.

Works for every age.

I'm 43 and my mom sometimes lets me stay home alone for almost 2 days.

[loudestchick]

30. Is she sure that's wise? Many a 43 yr old has come to a bad end w/o

supervision. ;-)