Staying Home Alone...What Age?

[Anonymous]

Wow, 8 is the law. Pretty surprising to this mom of a 7-year old - I can't imagine it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, 8 is the law. Pretty surprising to this mom of a 7-year old - I can't imagine it!

it's not the law tha you have to let your child stay home at age 8!

Just that in MD if the child is under 8 you should not leave them home alone for any length of time.

After age 8 -- it's up to you as parent to decide if you feel your child is ready. Some parents think No. A lot of parent start leaving their child home but just for a few minutes and with a parent just down the street. At age 8 I started leaving my son home alone for 10 minutes while I went to pick up my daughter from nursery school at the end of the block.

[Anonymous]

My DC will be 10 in May and we just started letting her stay home alone for short periods (up to an hour) during the day. She has done well, so we may extend it a little. She is really proud of herself. I like the independence and confidence it gives her.

[Anonymous]

At 8 only to go talk to neighbors, did not leave area. At 10 for an hour or so while younger child was at sports practice. By 12 have been able to leave for whole day with frequent calls and neighbors nearby if needed.

[Anonymous]

In VA there is no "law" about the age at which you can leave your child at home, but CPS has a guideline (though I think it varies by jurisdiction). Here is Arlington's guideline: http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/HumanServices/services/family/HumanServicesServicesFamilyhowyoung.aspx

[Anonymous]

really, really depends on the kid. My older daughter started when she was about 12, the younger one at 10 for a few hrs at a time.

Now she's 11 she can be home for an afternoon if needed.

[Anonymous]

Here is Fairfax County Guidelines (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/childrenyouth/supervision_eng.htm)

7 years and under:
Should not be left alone for any period of time. This may include leaving children unattended in cars, playgrounds, and backyards. The determining consideration would be the dangers in the environment and the ability of the caretaker to intervene.

8 to 10 years:
Should not be left alone for more than 1½ hours and only during daylight and early evening hours.

11 to 12 years:
May be left alone for up to 3 hours but not late at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility.

13 to 15 years:
May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.

16 to 17 years:
May be left unsupervised (in some cases, for up to two consecutive overnight periods).

[Anonymous]

Anyone know the legal age in DC? My son is about to turn 8 and I could imagine leaving him for 30 minutes while I ran out to CVS. He knows how to call 911 in an emergency or an (adult) friend if something happened to me and I didn't come home.

[Anonymous]

My mom let me at 10 for one hour and as I got older she let ne more and more. My rule for my kids is 12 for 1-2 hours and 10 years old for 30 minutes.It depends how mature they are. You have to know that they will not be eating all of the candy in the house, be going outside or out of the house.

[Anonymous]

My SN son needs a little more time. Maybe 13 or 14.

[Anonymous]

They always need a note some where they can reach it that says:
•Mom and dad phone numbers

•How to use the phone (just in case)

•Where the available phone/phones can be found.

•An adult like one of your friends numbers in case something happened to you and you didn't come back.

•Things they are allowed to eat and drink.

•911

•Your adress(tell them it is to tell 911

[Anonymous]

If it is a responsible kid you can trust,then for an hour or two. I had to be left alone alot as a kid because my mom had to take care of my grandma.She left me home at 9 years old for a very short time.When I was 10,she left me alone a lot longer. A few hours,but I was a responsible kid so I managed fine.then as I got older she could leave me alone a little longer than the last year.

[Anonymous]

They need a note with a close friends number,your number,where he phones are,what they can eat and drink,your adress,and what time you will be back. They can be left alone at about 9-11,but it really depends on the child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is Fairfax County Guidelines (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/childrenyouth/supervision_eng.htm)

7 years and under:
Should not be left alone for any period of time. This may include leaving children unattended in cars, playgrounds, and backyards. The determining consideration would be the dangers in the environment and the ability of the caretaker to intervene.

8 to 10 years:
Should not be left alone for more than 1½ hours and only during daylight and early evening hours.

11 to 12 years:
May be left alone for up to 3 hours but not late at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility.

13 to 15 years:
May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.

16 to 17 years:
May be left unsupervised (in some cases, for up to two consecutive overnight periods).

Honestly, I can't believe not allowing your kid alone in the backyard at 7 is recommended. This seems to be a little overkill at least where I live.

[Anonymous]

12 YO nephew won't stay home alone period. That seems plenty old enough to me.