It really depends on the kids maturity level but personally - maybe I’d leave my 11 year old home (12/sixth grade feels more appropriate to me) but I wouldn’t leave them with a 5 year old.

Anonymous wrote:Op - also if you leave your kids home do you have a land line phone? We don’t have one and kids obviously do not have cell phones yet. Does it even matter? Could we just tell them to go to a neighbors if there is an emergency?

My kids are able to FaceTime me from their iPads, which is what they do when left home alone (ages 10 and 11).

To echo what others have said, I would not leave an 11 year old in charge of a 5 year old. I'd go for high school age and above to be responsible for a kid that young.

Anonymous wrote:Would you feel comfortable leaving your 5 year old home with your 11 year old for an hour or two while you take middle child to a sporting practice?

I looked on VA website and it looks like there are recommendations but not any legal enforcement of age when kids can stay home alone.

What age have you allowed kids to stay home?

I have a 6 year old and almost 10 year old. I have left them together for short periods every now and then starting a year ago. The older one is responsible though, and knows how to call 911 or contact me or a neighbor in an emergency. In reality, I turned on separate programs on separate TVs and they were both in the same spot when I returned. I wouldn't do it regularly though.

Anonymous wrote:Would you feel comfortable leaving your 5 year old home with your 11 year old for an hour or two while you take middle child to a sporting practice?

I looked on VA website and it looks like there are recommendations but not any legal enforcement of age when kids can stay home alone.

What age have you allowed kids to stay home?

AI generated
"Virginia, there's no specific state law setting a minimum age for leaving children home alone, but the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), local counties (like Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun), and child welfare experts provide guidelines, generally suggesting kids under 8 shouldn't be left alone, 9-10 year olds for short daytime periods (up to 1.5 hrs), 11-12 year olds for longer daytime periods (up to 3 hrs), and older teens can handle more, but maturity, situation, and accessibility to parents are key factors, with Child Protective Services (CPS) assessing readiness case-by-case if concerns arise.
General Guidelines (VDSS & Counties)
Under 8: Should not be left alone at all.
9-10 Years Old: Up to 1.5 hours, during daylight/early evening only.
11-12 Years Old: Up to 3 hours, during daylight/early evening, not late at night.
13-15 Years Old: Can be left longer, but not overnight.
16-17 Years Old: May be left for one or two nights if prepared."

Yes for my kids, for up to an hour. With these qualifications -

I have a very responsible 11 year old and a really mature 5 year old.
Kids get along great and 5 year old adores her big sister
No eating/drinking - just sit and watch a movie (big treat since we’re not big on screens)
Retired neighbors next door.
Very safe neighborhood.
Cameras both inside and outside
Kids know not to answer the door
11 year old knows how to call and text me
I wouldn’t go further than say 10 minutes away
Daytime hours only
Make sure appliances like oven and dryer are off and all doors are locked
Etc etc etc

Anonymous wrote:Would you feel comfortable leaving your 5 year old home with your 11 year old for an hour or two while you take middle child to a sporting practice?

I looked on VA website and it looks like there are recommendations but not any legal enforcement of age when kids can stay home alone.

What age have you allowed kids to stay home?

Yes, absolutely.

I sometimes use the babysitters club book test for these things. Jessi and Mallory were 11 and allowed to babysit, just not at night unless it was for their siblings. Obviously fiction and dated, but still rings true to me if you have a responsible 11 year old.

I think 9.