Leaving kids home alone (Correction in Red, Sorry)
I know this subject will most likely cause an argument, but thought it a good idea to post since I have not seen any posted.
What age do you think it is OK to leave a child at home alone during a work day?
I have a 13 yr old and he has been able to stay at home by himself since about 10. He has always been very responsible. Since he turned 13 he has been babysitting his brothers and has done well. I have taught him basic first aid and plan to teach him CPR. I am looking into going back to work and want him to be able to watch his brothers after school, His brothers are 11 and 10. I do not ask them to cook meals and there is generally enough sandwich stuff at home. I trust my oldest to cook, he has been cooking for quite some time, but is still a little absent minded about it. So I always ask him not to cook, unless it is pancakes or a cup of Ramon. Pretty harmless and he does NOT have to use my gas oven.
So I thought I would get other parents ideas about leaving kids at home alone. Criticize me if you want.
I think thats fine, I would do it if mine were all that old if my oldest is that mature and responsible. mine are all young still though...
Growing up, 10-11 was common for children to start staying home by themselves. Honestly though, in today's society...I wouldn't do that. My youngest sister was left alone at 11-12 with no problems until one day when some punk kids decided to try and break into my mom's house! After that, she refused to sleep in her own bedroom for weeks and was so traumatized! This was not in a "bad" area either. This has made me rethink everything and I really don't know when a child should be left alone but I think 13 may be a good starting point, as always though it definitely depends on the maturity of the child and how long they would be alone for....
my mom did test runs starting at ten for me my siblings were all younger so i was the babysitter ...and by test runs i mean she would leave me inside with them while she tended to her garden or when for a short walk and graudally added time on ..i plan on doing the same with my son when he shows signs of being ready
That seems fine I was left to take care of my younger brothers and sister at that age and did just fine i even cooked on the gas stove but i was and alway have been vary responsible. I like the test run idea i think i will do that with mine when he gets older thanks for the idea ^_^
I think it depends more on the maturity level than the age. Are they level-headed in an emergency? Are they responsible? My parents let me stay at home after school with my brother that is 6 years younger when I was 13. I plan on letting my daughter do it when she's 10 if she's mature enough, but I too, would be nervous about her cooking. We have a gas stove. Obviously, I wouldn't leave a real young child home alone. My daughter's presently STB 5 1/2.
I was babysitting my 2 yr old brother when I was 12. (He was a surprise baby brother.) My older sisters and I never really stayed home alone because by the time the oldest was ready we had my baby brother and Mom wouldn't let us stay home with the baby without an adult. (He was born when my oldest sister was almost 13.) I think 12-13 is fine depending on the maturity of the child and the age of the siblings. :)
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on Nov. 23, 2010 at 2:14 PM