What age can kids be home alone?

[Anonymous]

I have very young kids, and am wondering how old children need to be nowadays to be home alone, commute to school, and babysit. Almost 30 years ago, I was babysitting at 10 years old (and had a certificate from my state university's cooperative extension program), but I've heard that the times have changed. I am not trying to be a free range parent or anything; I'm just wondering what the norm is in the DC area.

[Anonymous]

I think it totally depends on the parental comfort, kid maturity, the length of time and other circumstances.

I have a pretty mature 8 yo DD. She is very cautious and would not do anything crazy while we're out. I have started leaving her for very short periods of time while I run to the corner store -- literally the store on the corner. I'm good with these short periods of time, will increase as she grows older and more comfortable.

[Anonymous]

I have kids that are currently 13-19 years old.

By age 8, I felt comfortable leaving my oldest at home while I was at a playgroup for my younger child (in the neighborhood, about 1/4 mile away)

By age 10 I would leave a child alone for about half an hour-1 hour while I went to a store (about 2 miles away)

By age 12 I would leave him alone with his younger brother (age 10) while Dh and I went out to dinner (the younger children were at a parents night out event)

By age 14 my oldest could be home alone watching all the younger children (youngest was 8 at the time.)

[Anonymous]

It varies by state. In Maryland, 8 to stay home alone. 13 to babysit.

[Anonymous]

You should do a search. There are at least fifty threads about this.

[Anonymous]

I would say 10 years old.

[Anonymous]

It really depends on the kid.

My daughter could stay at home as early as 8. She was very responsible, didn't mind being alone and knew what to do in an emergency.

My son is 11 and I still rarely leave him home alone. He is very absent minded and easily distracted and in his own world. He wouldn't intentionally damage the house but he would very likely go out on his bike and leave the front door wide open or put a metal soup can in the microwave or let any randon person into the house. He just does not think before he acts yet.

[Anonymous]

10 minutes at 6
20 at 7
30 at 8
Hour at 9
2 hours at 10
Unlimited daylight hours at 11
Overnight at 13

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:10 minutes at 6
20 at 7
30 at 8
Hour at 9
2 hours at 10
Unlimited daylight hours at 11
Overnight at 13

Wow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:10 minutes at 6
20 at 7
30 at 8
Hour at 9
2 hours at 10
Unlimited daylight hours at 11
Overnight at 13

Wow.

NP, but this seems reasonable to me (with the exception of an overnight at 13-- I'd say 15-16), with a mature kid you've taught well. Absolutely can't be 100% guaranteed of safety, but these are pretty good guidelines. Okay, maybe I wouldn't go with UNLIMITED daylight hours at 11, at least not often, but close enough.

I live in MD, though, so I probably won't do this until 8. But if it were legal? Sure, With my mature kid and a landline, yes.

[Anonymous]

Fairfax County guidlines:

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/child-supervision-guidelines

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:10 minutes at 6
20 at 7
30 at 8
Hour at 9
2 hours at 10
Unlimited daylight hours at 11
Overnight at 13

you're crazy and lucky nothing ever happened to you kid. easily could have, especially leaving a 13 alone overnight. What would even warrant that????

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:10 minutes at 6
20 at 7
30 at 8
Hour at 9
2 hours at 10
Unlimited daylight hours at 11
Overnight at 13

I would say
<30 minutes at 6 (with parent not far away)
30 minutes at 7
60-90 minutes at 8
2-3 hours at 9
1/2 day at 10
full day at 11
Overnight - when child is comfortable.

Think of all the latch key kids from past generations who spent every afternoon home alone. If you give the kids the skills and confidence, they can do it.

[Anonymous]

Shout out to fellow latch key kids from the 80s!!! I was 6.

In retrospect that was crazy...

[Anonymous]

Its neglectful to leave a 6 year old home alone. Its neglectful to leave a 13 year old overnight. If you don't want to parent your kids, don't have them.