Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 16:46     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
Anonymous wrote:It soooo depends on the kid. We started leaving him alone while we walked the dogs around the neighborhood at 8–but we were always within a few minutes of home if there was an emergency. At 10 I feel comfortable running to the grocery store without him.


There is no 6 yr old that should be left home alone while you get in the car and drive off somewhere, no matter how mature or independent you claim they are.
Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 13:44     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
Anonymous wrote:It soooo depends on the kid. We started leaving him alone while we walked the dogs around the neighborhood at 8–but we were always within a few minutes of home if there was an emergency. At 10 I feel comfortable running to the grocery store without him.


+1 Same.
Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 13:42     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
I asked my mom this question and she told me she left my twin sibling and me home alone when we were 5/6 to do quick store runs. I couldn't believe it! I would never leave my 6 year old home alone.

I would say it depends on the child. 9-10 sounds ok if they are mature.
Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 11:49     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
Anonymous wrote:At 7 and in second grade we’ll do up to 20 min (picking up younger kid, grabbing one thing at the corner store, etc), I think at 8 I could move to a 30-45 min walk during the day or a longer errand. I won’t leave my kids home together until they are 6 and 9 or 7 and 10.


I didn’t leave my kids home alone together until Covid when they were 9 and 11. We left our older kid alone since age 8 for up to an hour. Our younger kid was not responsible enough to be left alone until age 10.
Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 11:46     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
At 7 and in second grade we’ll do up to 20 min (picking up younger kid, grabbing one thing at the corner store, etc), I think at 8 I could move to a 30-45 min walk during the day or a longer errand. I won’t leave my kids home together until they are 6 and 9 or 7 and 10.
Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 11:45     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
We leave our 10 yo home alone regularly for things like dropping off the younger kid at activities, running short errands. He’s responsible and usually just watches TV. we have left our 7 year old home with him on occasion and again, they just watch tv. They know not to answer the door or mess in the kitchen
Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 11:34     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Unless there are special needs, this is the most conservative I would be and I think you could possibly be more permissive depending on the kid.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/child-supervision-guidelines#:~:text=11%2D12%20years%20old%20may,with%20a%20plan%20in%20place.


I think the guidelines may have changed recently. My oldest was 7 when my third child was born. I clearly remember reading that we could leave an 8 year old home alone for short periods of time.

My youngest is now 7. We leave her for 20 min if I have to drive an older kid to school or sports very close by. She has multiple ways to contact us.

I think you feel more comfortable if you have older kids. My oldest is now 14, almost 15.


Maryland law is 8 and over can be home alone, so oyu may be thinking of that.
Anonymous
Post 03/19/2024 11:21     Subject: What age can child be home alone for an hour?
Anonymous wrote:Fairfax County guidelines (there are no laws about this in Virginia, just guidance)

Age Guidelines
8 years old and younger should always be in the care of a responsible person. Children this age should never be left unsupervised in homes, cars, playgrounds or yards.
9-10 years old may be ready to be left unsupervised up to 1.5 hours during daylight and early evening hours.
11-12 years old may be ready to be left unsupervised up to 3 hours during daylight and early evening hours.
13-15 years old may be ready to be left unsupervised more than three hours but not overnight.
16 years old and older may be ready to be left unsupervised overnight for one to two days, with a plan in place.
Babysitting Age Guidelines
10-12 years old may provide care of other children for up to three hours with the help of an adult.
13-15 years old may babysit infants and children but not overnight.
16 years old and older may watch children overnight.


This feels reasonable for most kids. Sure, some 7 year olds would be totally fine for a run to the grocery store, and some 10 year olds wouldn't be ready, but by and large this seems good.
I wouldn't leave my 16 year old home overnight, though. No reason to invite that drama.