How old do you think a child should be before they are left o their own at home

1. 71

   eye sayposted 13 years ago

   How old do you think a child should be before they are left o their own at home for 30 minutes?

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2. 64

   jeyaramdposted 13 years ago

   Twelve years seems reasonable. This is purely an arbitrary number based on the fact that the child is close to his/her teens. Obviously the age can fluctuate based on the maturity level of a child. If the child is obedient at home while the parents are also present then that can be a good indicator. We should start with assigning responsibilities to the child at a young age. We build trust over time. And so we may have a better idea about leaving the child at home. Also, the child should be accessible by phone as well. As parents we will also have our instincts. We should be aware of how obedient our child is and how well they respond to boundaries and discipline. Thank for asking the question.

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3. 60

   capricornrisingposted 13 years ago

   I was 10 when my parents began giving me the responsibility of watching over my younger siblings. I don't think leaving a child alone who's any younger than that is a good idea, in spite of the fact that children seem to mature much faster these days.

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4. 57

   Alexander Travisposted 13 years ago

   Well. I your child is responsible. I would say 10.

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5. 68

   ausisposted 13 years ago

   Hey I was 10 back in 1980 also when my parents left me look after my sister on my own. Back then I didn't like it YUK. I also remembered when writing that my Aunt let me look after my cousin the same year.
   
   So it looks like the general consensus is 10 so far 3:1

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6. 61

   Hezmyjoyposted 13 years ago

   Only for 30 minutes? If you have to question it, never!

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7. 61

   ThroughGlassposted 13 years ago

   I believe i was 12 when i was left to my own vices at home.
   
   I was very responsible, and terrified of lighter's and the oven . (:
   
   I took a babysitting course at 11-12, so i baby sat myself ha.

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8. 83

   Rachelle Williamsposted 13 years ago

   I was left at home at age 12 and all went perfectly ok.

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9. 59

   romariposted 13 years ago

   I was left home alone when I was 7. My dad instructed me to just watch cartoons. He left about 2 hours..
   
   I know any kid are capable of staying in the house alone, though it depends on the attitude and behavior of the child. If your child is so active and disobedient, you better not to leave him/her alone in your house..

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10. 0

    paxwillposted 13 years ago

    An 8 year old can be left unsupervised at home for half an hour, as long as he or she isn't a troublemaker type.  For longer periods, I think 10 is a more appropriate age. If you are leaving your child with even younger children, maybe 12 or 13. (My parents left me alone to care for two toddlers when I was 11.  I think that is WAY too young!)
    
    But in all honesty it really depends on your kid, how safe your neighborhood is, time of day, etc. Obviously some children are much more responsible and independent than others, while some places and situations are just not safe for any kid to be left home alone. Only the parent would know what's best.

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11. 60

    NonnyKposted 13 years ago

    Surely, this must depend on the child and if any other younger siblings are involved.  Some children mature quickly and some a lot slower.  Each parent must be the one to make a choice based on knowing their child through and through. 
    
    In parenting, there are far too many arbitrary rules imposed on us by various governments and other people, telling us what we must or must not do when really, most parents are able to make their own choices without all this 'guidance'.
    
    On that note, I issue a royal decree that no child must be left on their own for thirty minutes without reaching the grand old age of 10!

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12. 56

    athena2011posted 13 years ago

    That's a little difficult to answer without knowing the level of maturilty of the child. I would think maybe 12 or 13.
    
    I remember the first time I left mine, cannot remember his age at the time,  but I was in a state of panic and so relieved when I returned home to see that everything was just fine.
    
    Then I started doing it more and more, and now he's 16 so definitely leave him all the time.

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13. 75

    raisingmeposted 13 years ago

    In most places in North America leaving a child under 12 is illegal.

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14. 59

    Leanna McCarthyposted 13 years ago

    I'd say 10. A child should have enough common sense by then to handle being alone for a short period of time.

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