Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Kids
  4. / Parenting
  5. / Dr. Spock

by anonymous on September 29th, 2006

anonymous

Question

Help answer this question below.

At what age is acceptable to let children stay home alone? I know maturity levels are considered in the decision but on the average?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 48 helpful answers below.

  • by rkelley on May 29th, 2008

    rkelley

    There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages specified in their laws.

    12 years of age appears to be the most common recommendation. http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm provides a state by state comparison with references. This site also provides one guideline from a California agency representative who suggests that 8 year olds and over can be left at home for up to several hours (usually after school before a parent gets home from work).

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by tjatherton on September 29th, 2006

    tjatherton

    It is 8 years old. By the time they are 11 they are allowed to babysit siblings, and at 13 they can babysit other youngsters. This is what it was when I grew up in Oregon, I'm sure that it hasn't changed. These are daytimes.
    Night is older.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Aspergers syndrome on May 31st, 2009

    Aspergers syndrome

    Depends on the child's personality and your ability to trust them, but normally I would say somewhere between the age of 10 and 12. :3

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by sammy326 on August 11th, 2007

    sammy326

    I don't know the acceptable age but I know that after 6th grade there are NO daycare centers in the state in which I live that will take your child. I'm going to ASSUME that to be the age of 11/12 (depending on the birthday and such). The exception to that rule is for the mentally or physically handicaped. I read in some of the answers about acceptable ages to babysit as well and I personally would NEVER allow anyone under the age of 15 to babysit one of my children. My children were coming home alone from school after the 6th grade. The neighbor kept her eye on them and they knew they could go to her house if they needed help. She was home everyday because she ran a home daycare. My children were neither over-mature nor under-mature. They were children. Plain and simple. They did dumb things that children do while I wasn't there and there were many phone calls to my work with "problems". I am fortunate that none of the problems were life threatening. Don't put too much responsibilty on them too young - even if they DO appear to be mature for their age. Giving them adult responsiblities when they are young only increases the adult situations they will be exposed to while they are too young to really handle them - opening the door for adult actions and consequences. And we all ask ourselves every day..."how did a 13 year old get pregnant? Where were her parents?" Let them be "children" while they are still children. They will be adults for a WHOLE lot longer!

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous D on September 5th, 2008

    Anonymous D

    My oldest is 10 and we've just recently started letting him stay home alone for short periods of time, like for me to go to the bank or other quick errands. He is a good kid that likes to sit and draw, read or play video games when he's not doing homework. I always remind him how to use the phone to call me and write down my cell phone number for him. (He never really uses the phone, so it's still new to him.) While I'm gone, I don't worry so much about the trouble he'll get into on his own. He's a good kid and I know I can trust him to sit there like a lump on a log watching tv until I get back. I worry more about the what if's of a natural disaster, or car accident etc, that would keep me from getting back to him.

    I wouldn't let him walk home from school though. He is small for his age and looks like an easy target for predators and bullies. Even though I believe he would come and go when and where he's supposed to, I couldn't imagine worrying that someone else might hurt him. The world is just too crazy to leave them on their own in public.

    Our house is pretty kid friendly and in a good neighborhood, so it feels safer than walking alone.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by the VP wears a Wicked COAT on September 5th, 2008

    the VP wears a Wicked COAT

    I would say 5th or 6th grade. If I would allow them to walk home from school, I should be able to trust that they can handle themselves for a couple of hours. Of course, I'd expect them to call me when they got home and not to leave until I arrived. I would also have a snack ready and a list of approved activities they could do while I was not there.

    The laws differ state to state, maybe even county to county. Where I live, there is no age limit as designated by law.

    ________________________________________________________


    "Arizona's statutes (laws) do not designate an age when a child can be left alone. A parent is responsible for the decisions they make about their children being left alone.

    The law does require however, that the AZ Dept. of Economic Security Child Protective Services (CPS) investigate reports of neglect which include failure to provide supervision that places a child at substantial risk of harm. Leaving children alone is included in the category of supervision.

    CPS has identified situations (that could cause a substantiated risk of harm to children who are alone) that are taken as reports for investigation. For example: - Children under the age of six; - A child of any age who cannot care for his or herself due to a physical, emotional or mental inability; - Children six to nine years of age, for three hours or longer; or it is unknown when the parent will return.

    CPS understands there are times when school age children may have to be alone for a while. A call about these (latch key) children doesn't automatically mean a CPS report will be taken, however, anyone can call CPS when they know or believe children are alone.

    When calls come into CPS, specific questions are asked to help determine if there is a problem for the child. These may include: Does the child know how to reach the parent? Does the child know how to get emergency help? Is there a neighbor to go to? Is someone checking in on the child?

    Sometimes police are called to the home. Before removing children, often police will try to make contact with the parent or other responsible person to come and supervise the children. The police are required to make these reports to CPS. This could result in a CPS Specialist contacting the children and parent about the report and making an assessment of any needed services.

    Parent's must use good judgment about their children's capabilities, as they are ultimately responsible."

    ________________________________________________________


    The fact that I live in a family oriented neighborhood and my parents (obviously my children's grandparents) live next door to us, is a HUGE factor as to when I start leaving my girls alone. If you live somewhere out in the country, for example, probably leaving them alone with no one around for them to go to if something happened would be a really bad idea in my book.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Igor Kropf on September 5th, 2008

    Igor Kropf

    In some states, a kid is legally allowed to baby-sit at 12. This is not the same as "being home alone", but in some senses it requires even more responsibility. I'd say on average 12 or 13, with all the caveats of the case (assessing their maturity, not a long time, dangerous things and "temptations" out of the way, an easy way to call or reach a trusted adult in case of emergency, etc.).
    I am assuming we are talking about this day and age, in the US/Canada/Europe. There are historical variations, variations by country and even by social/economic class. Due to particularly strong circumstances, I was made to buy essentials, ride on buses and care for my younger brother and sister for 2 hours in the morning, at age 6. But this was an exceptional case and certainly not the average.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Epistaxis on March 6th, 2008

    Epistaxis

    I would say maturity first and foremost. But as far as age, 11-13.....but just lock your computer. lol My fiance' son started exploring the p0rn side of the internet and I'm almost out of printer ink. lol. Needless to say he has been grounded from the computer for a month.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by alewis786 on September 29th, 2006

    alewis786

    I would say 10. I was left alone at a much younger age and I can't say it was for the best. But now as an adult, I definately think 10 is an age where children are able to identify right from wrong, and KNOW that strangers are a No no. I strongly suggest that its not a daily thing. Once kids KNOW they have that freedom, even good kids, will get into things they shouldn't, inviting people over that shouldnt be there and so on.

    However, if occassionally for a couple hours, you don't want to hire a babysitter. 10 is a good age.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Rhinoman2009 on September 29th, 2006

    Rhinoman2009

    Age 12

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Chris E on January 25th, 2011

    Chris E

    If I had kids I would allow my kid or children to stay home alone when they have reach thee age of maturity and show they Ican handle the responsiblity of being alone.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Czar_K on January 25th, 2011

    Czar_K

    that depends on the age and previous behaviour

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Satanist on January 25th, 2011

    Satanist

    Well i know this may not be so useful since i don't have a child of my own, but to be honest with you they would need to be a good age to make the right decisions and know when they are doing something stupid. To me even the age of 14 would be a little to young...mainly because when i was 14 i put a tin in the microwave and it caught on fire...i was not bright enough back then and did not have enough experience, then again it also depends on how well the child has been raised and if they are mature enough to take care of themselves without doing something stupid, my thought would be 16 or above.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Ombliss22 on January 25th, 2011

    Ombliss22

    Yes she's 22. ^_^

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Slipshod Wombat and Co. on May 31st, 2009

    Slipshod Wombat and Co.

    depends on where you live. in my area, hell, you can leave em home alon at 6, but in nyc, i'd say 13-14

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by katydid15 on September 5th, 2008

    katydid15

    I think 12 is okay for short periods. Overnight I would say the age is 32.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by NefariousImp on February 12th, 2007

    NefariousImp

    I allow my 12 year old daughter to stay at home alone, however, she's got an extremly high IQ and never gets into any trouble, a really good kid. However, I honestly think that 12 is pushing the limit, I know other 12 year olds that I wouldn't leave alone for 10 mins!! It depends on the kid, but I honestly think that 13 is an acceptalbe age.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Katie on January 8th, 2007

    Katie

    Legally in most states it is age 12. I know of parents who have very mature kids and let them stay home alone for an hour or so... trusted neighbors always in the know.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by ...Ali... on January 3rd, 2007

    ...Ali...

    In New Zealand you have to be 12 to look after yourself and 14 to babysit siblings or other children.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous on September 29th, 2006

    Anonymous

    Maturity does play a big part. the police recognize, generally, the age of 13.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Ullyses on September 29th, 2006

    Ullyses

    In Scotland there are guidelines, suggesting a child can be left for reasonable periods of time from around age 12, overnight from around 14, and in charge of other children from around 16. I think England is more rigid in this.

    Although some children are not ready at these ages, and others are quite precocious, these seem to be good guidelines. I think that there would also be leeway to attend an emergency if your child is sleeping and it takes a couple of minutes to get a neighbour to agree to look after them.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Skruff on April 29th, 2009

    Skruff

    I was trotting all over New York City by the time I was 9, so I guess it was/is ok for that age.

    More important then being "left alone" is to be sure the child (at any age) has the equipment he'll need in an emergency. Phone numbers to get you or a suragate, knowledge how to use a fire extingusher, and if in the city, a close neighbor to contact in the event of lonliness, trouble or bordom. I had such a neighbor she was also my aunt, and we spent many afternoons playing chinese checkers.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous on February 11th, 2009

    Anonymous

    i would say 12, i babysit a twelve year old and an 8 year old, and she is more than capable then looking after her 8 yr old brother. she is VERY VERY mature for her age. :)

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by DeeGee on June 2nd, 2009

    DeeGee

    I don't think they should ever be left home alone until they are old enough to know how to handle the unexpected emergency, like a power failure, a fire, a break-in, a serious sudden illness or injury. What if he slipped on something, fell and cracked his nose and is bleeding all over? What if she hears someone opening one of the windows or doors? What if the dog has a seizure? What if there's some faulty wiring and the house is on fire and she's on the phone and doesn't smell it right away until she sees flames. What if he's making himself a sandwhich and the knife slips and cuts his left wrist! What if the doorbell rings, would they open it to a stranger? What if she flushed the toilet and it never went down, it just filled up and overlowed all over the floor, and never stopped. what if a pipe burst under the kitchen sink and was shooting out of the cabinet with the force of a geiser at Yellowtone? Would she kow what to do in that instant while the house was flooding? Do you want to wait and find out?

    'Now, if you can tell yourself that the child at any age (12, 14, 16?) could handle any of that alone, then leave him or her. Otherwise, don't do it! Make sure he/she isn't alone, ever! Or live with the consequences when you get home.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by MusingOnLife on February 11th, 2009

    MusingOnLife

    Well.. legally the age is 12-13 in Australia at least. The maturity you should be able to judge, see if she/he can be trusted with small things..

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Gnome of Kevonia is a Cheerwine junkie on May 31st, 2009

    Gnome of Kevonia is a Cheerwine junkie

    9 in a safe city - good child
    14+ in a dangerous city - good child

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by heatherzbell on September 19th, 2008

    heatherzbell

    i would say personally about 11 or even 12

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by mrs libla on December 29th, 2007

    mrs libla

    I think if you are gone for a very short time, and is able to be reached by phone and they know where you are I dont think its bad..as long as they dont answer the door and let people in..

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by CDeezy on March 6th, 2008

    CDeezy

    Legally in Kentucky you aren't allowed to leave children at home unsupervioused untill they are 15. Personally though I would say about 13 or 14 some would be able to handle themselves maturly just depending on the child.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by calypso on March 6th, 2008

    calypso

    My parents started leaving me home alone when I was 7. I was always a very mature kid though.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Deasea on March 6th, 2008

    Deasea

    I really think they shouldn't be left alone til they're about 13. there's alot of factors to take into consideration of course, but in general, 13.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by bagless77 on February 12th, 2007

    bagless77

    I woudl not leave my 8yo son alone but he has mental illness and cannot be trusted. My daughter started being able to come home to an empty house after school for about 1-2 hours when she was 8. It is a tough decision and I would say a lot needs to be taken into account. Does your child have access to neighbors that could help out in an emergency? Can you get home quickly if you need to? Is there a plan for times when you may not be able to get back (emergency, flat tire, late shift, etc).

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by thickalious on January 10th, 2007

    thickalious

    I would say 10 as long as it is day light.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by answer11 on February 3rd, 2011

    answer11

    i would say 13 they are old enough u dont want to be overprotective or underprotective

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by TrishaSmith on September 8th, 2011

    TrishaSmith

    In general, it's not a good idea to leave kids younger than 10 years old home alone. Every child is different, but at that age, most kids don't have the maturity and skills to respond to an emergency if they're alone. The idea of my children being harmed or lost is not something anyone wants to consider. I found an article by anationofmoms about a service that can protect your family via your cell phone. And, at the bottom there is an opportunity to enter a drawing for 6 months of that service just by liking them on Facebook. You might find it interesting: http://anationofmoms.com/2011/08/protect-your-family-giveaway.html

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous on January 8th, 2007

    Anonymous

    I was thinking of asking this question. I do still want to know how old you would suggest for children that at going to be left for about 30 minutes? The same ages?

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by care on September 5th, 2008

    care

    12 is the youngest in my book! Although there are many children that walk home from school alone and are alone until their parents get home from work, 12 is an age of maturity where children have a concept of morals and are capable of making decisions based on their perception of the outcome.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by needtoknow on September 5th, 2008

    needtoknow

    I think 12 is ok. Of course depending on level of maturity. The, only for a short time. Like afterschool, not at night.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by hhhttt on September 5th, 2008

    hhhttt

    12 seems old enough to be on their own. Make sure they have your cell phone number just in case.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Candygirl on September 5th, 2008

    Candygirl

    13

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Mommyof2 on September 5th, 2008

    Mommyof2

    It depends on how mature you think your child is to let them stay home alone but I think that 16 would be a fair age if you have a child you can really trust.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by MissLiss on November 1st, 2008

    MissLiss

    Fourteen is the legal age here in New Zealand.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by dr james on September 5th, 2008

    dr james

    legally below 14 is illegal in most states, 15 , or even 16 in some states

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by D.J. on September 5th, 2008

    D.J.

    I don't think there is any good answer in terms of age.

    However, anyone who I would consider a 'child,' is someone I would not leave at home alone.

    I would consider anyone who was not mature enough to consistently make decisions that would not put themselves or others in danger to be a child.

    I think we become young adults when we demonstrate the ability to make adult decisions, and I think it's OK for those people to left home alone.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Jane on September 5th, 2008

    Jane

    i think 12.
    my mom started going to the store and back maybe when I was 10. i cant really recall.
    I always had a big brother around somewhere though so who knows when I was REALLY alone.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Cyanotic Wasp on September 5th, 2008

    Cyanotic Wasp

    When you feel old enough to let them stay home alone, then you are. Their age don't signify.

    This may not be *exactly* the answer you were looking for, but I guarantee that it's accurate.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by moonchild wears a COAT of shadows on September 5th, 2008

    moonchild wears a COAT of shadows

    It depends on the children and their ability to be alone with the sence of safety, I would personaly not let my daughters alone for long, the big one is twelve and she can manage alone for a short time.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by TAPriceCTR s son is wearing his COAT on February 4th, 2009

    TAPriceCTR s son is wearing his COAT

    I let a 12 year old girl baby sit my son. she was much better than the 16 year old who got upset when after being unavailable for a weekend the substitute got priority.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading At what age is acceptable to let children stay home alone? I know maturity levels are considered in the decision but on the average? - which can also be phrased in the following ways:

  • At what age should kids be old enough to stay home alone
  • When would you allow your child to stay home on his or her own?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

Age to stay home alone
How old do you have to be to stay home alone in england
Home alone age nz

Answerbag

a Demand Media company