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Home Alone: When is the Right Age?
November 19, 2008 at 1:30 PM by Cafe Kierna - Comments (5)
How old were you when you were first left at home alone? 10? 12? I was 11 and in the 6th grade. I remember my latch-key years as a time of discovery --you know, grilled cheese sandwiches with entirely too much butter, and my first (and last) horrible attempt at smoking a cigarette. Deciding when your child is ready for the responsibility of being alone at home is different for every household. Maturity is obviously the key factor to judge. But, no matter when you think it's the right time, be aware that every state has their own laws. Here's something smart one mom had to say about the right age for kids staying home alone...
"I would say, bare minimum follow the law in your area and then judge your own child(ren). If you feel (s)he is ready, then do some practice runs. Do smaller increments than you are actually going to be leaving the child alone for. Start with a half hour while you run and get gas or something. Then an hour while you grocery shop. I wouldn't leave town or go somewhere you wouldn't be reachable by telephone, for a while, but if you start small to adjust and gauge the child in question, you can get an idea of what is appropriate for your situation, " says Mom1Stepmom1.
What do you think is the right age? Has your child been home alone yet?
FILED UNDER: setting limits
Comments:
DEPENDS ON THE MATURATY OF THE KIDS BUT NEVER LEAVE THEM WITH SMALLER CHILDREN THAT CAN GET OUT I JUST HAD A BAD EXPIRENCE ON SATURDAY AND I ONLY LEFT 2 BLOCKS AWAY AND IF YOU CAN TRUST THEM 11 IS A GOD AGE
My oldest is fixing to be 8 and I think it's just going to depend on his maturity level as to what age we let him stay home alone. Plus, his little sister is only 2 right now so maybe when he's 13 and she's 7 that may be a good age to let them both stay home as long as they both know the rules. I don't know. I may change my mind between now and then. My brother and I are 7.5 years apart and that was about the ages we were when our parents let us stay home alone together.
I agree with the poster above...My oldest is 7 and my youngest 2 1/2... and at the age of 13-7...I feel safe with..
i think it depends on the kid my oldest will be 10 in 4 months and i dont know if he would be ready then were i live 10 is the youngest
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I don't think you can say a certain age is right. I know some 11 year olds that definitely could be left for an hour and others that I wouldn't leave for 15 minutes. I think you also have to consider if a sibling is home with them. I left my two boys home for 20 minutes and when I got back they were fighting. I won't do it again for awhile!
Globalmoe Nov. 19, 2008 at 4:25 PM