What age can you leave your child home alone ? PIOG

[wentworth99]

 

At what age can a child be left home alone ? I googled it and I read an article that said in depends on the state. I live in Mass and there is no set age. I am wondering what you guys think ? 

[mbrackett]

I would say 10 at the most, and I would only do that if I were running to the gas station for 5 minutes lol.

[steelcrazy]

It does vary by state and even local municipality.  You also have to take your child, and where you live into consideration.  Some kids are ready at 8 and others not until 15.  Personally I think 12 or 13 would be a good age.

[stuckinamess]

In my opinion, it depends on the individual child, where you live etc.

[bugfree]

In Washington state there is no set age.  I doubt I would leave my kids alone until they were 12 or so. 

[Orionsgirl]

I personally did not leave mine alone until he was 13.

[hholllyy426]

There is no set age for MT either. I wouldn't leave my son home alone even when he's 18. I think it's based on maturity level of the child and knowing how to respond in case of an emergency.

[bugfree]

It is pretty sad.  There are actually parents that leave their kindergartners home alone without adult supervision when they get home from school.  I wish they could be reported, but it isn't against the law. 

 

Here is a list of the min ages kids can be left alone.  All of the ones with stars are only suggestions. :-\  http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm

[rkoloms]

It depends on the maturity of the child, the time of day, the length of time the child will be alone, and the neighborhood.

[Barabell]

Quoting stuckinamess:

In my opinion, it depends on the individual child, where you live etc.

I agree.

Also, just because the state doesn't have a law about that, it doesn't mean that the county or city you live in doesn't have a law.  Where I live (Minenota), the state does not have a law.  But the counties here are the government level that deals with children services.  The COUNTY I live in DOES have laws against leaving a child alone at a certain age.  I looked it up a couple months ago, and the law is very detailed.  My son is 10, and he can legally be left alone up to like two hours or something like that.  But there are a ton of excpetions that are for special needs children and other circumstances.

[eilenej1]

I found this link:

http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm

Mine will probably be quite old to be left together.  My oldest is probably responsible enough at 9, but definitely would not be comfortable with the idea.  My youngest will probably be 18 - or better yet - when he lives on his own! ;)