what do you think is a good age

to let the child come home alone?

Re: what do you think is a good age

10-12
12-14
14-16


I think 11-12 is a good age
my husband said 16 NO WAY
Iwas 11 and walking to school by myself but I grew up in Queens

Re: what do you think is a good age

It depends on how long they would be alone and if there are other kids in the house.

If you are just going to run an errand quickly, I'd say 9 or 10 w/no other kids there. If other kids are there, I'd say 12 or 13.

ETA: When I was 9, I was taking the bus home with my little brother and was home alone with him for 2-3 hours until my parents came home from work. But those were different times....

Message edited 6/13/2006 9:06:38 AM.

Re: what do you think is a good age

Depends on the child and the situation.
If it is so I can just run a quick errand then I think 12. If it is for a night out with husband I am not sure..that is a much longer time frame.
To come home alone afterschool?..that is not something I am a huge fan of. I know that it is just part of life for some families. there is little choice. After care programs end after 6th grade. That is when it is legally ok to have your child alone in the house- I believe. I think kids can get into a lot more trouble in Jr High when they are alone for a few hours. JMO, of course. But again, it also depends A LOT on the child and his/her ability to respond to various situations.

Re: what do you think is a good age

For NYS Child Protective Services:

At what age is it okay to leave my children home alone?
OCFS is often asked questions regarding the appropriate age to leave a child alone, or what age is appropriate to allow a child to begin babysitting. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. All children develop at their own rate, and with their own special needs and abilities. Some children are responsible, intelligent, and independent enough to be left alone at 12 or 13 years of age. Likewise, there are some teenagers who are too irresponsible or who have special needs that limit their ability to be safe if they are left alone.
Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters.

Below there are some items for these decision-makers to consider before leaving a child alone. Be aware, this is just the beginning of issues to consider. It is not an all-inclusive checklist to guarantee intelligent and reasoned decision-making:

Consider the child: How mature is the child? How comfortable is the child with the circumstances? What has the child done in the past to show you he/she is able to take on this kind of responsibility?
Consider the child’s knowledge and ability: Does the child know how and when to contact emergency help? Is the child able to prepare food for him/herself? Are there hazards to the child in the environment such as accessible knives, power tools, a stove or oven?
Consider the circumstances: Where will the child be when left alone? How long is the child to be alone?
These same questions should be asked when considering whether a child is old enough to baby-sit. However, when considering a child as an adequate baby sitter, you must evaluate these factors for both the potential baby sitter as well as the needs of the child or children who will be cared for by the baby sitter. A child of 12 might be fine alone for two hours in an afternoon. Yet, the same child may be incapable of responsibly caring for a 5-year-old for that same period of time.

Re: what do you think is a good age

thanks for that info it is great!!

Re: what do you think is a good age