Home Alone Question

Updated on October 13, 2013
A.S. asks from Glendora, CA
20 answers

I am sure this has been asked a million times but what age would you allow your kids to stay home alone for a short period of time? My kids (almost 9 and almost 10) have requested to stay home when I make quick trips (such as running to the bank which is 2 miles away). I have given them "test runs" by biking around the block with my husband while they were home and once when I took my younger one to dance about 2 miles away. In these instances I have "tested" them in various scenarios such as ringing the doorbell and seeing if they come, calling the house from a blocked number etc. They always "pass" and do exactly as we have told them but I still wonder if they are too young, although I was home alone and babysitting a first grader (not a sibling) for 2 hours a day at 9 years old. They know that they are not allowed to eat anything (at all) while we are not here, not to answer the door and not to answer if the called ID doesn't say my number. They are both very responsible and know what do do in emergencies when asked, but I have heard people say that this might not be what they do in "real life." That being said, I feel that that could easily be the case with a 12 or 13 year old also. We live in a very family-oriented neighborhood and know all of the neighbors on our cul-de-sac. What do you mamas think?

ETA Laws in CA are non-existent as far as age goes.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.J.

answers from Washington DC on

It depends on the kid. Some kids are totally capable at 10, others not so much. I was alone at that age as a kid here and there and I was totally fine.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from San Diego on

When my kid's were 10, I allowed them to stay home alone for quick trips. It sounds to me like they've passed the tests, so they deserve it!! Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.L.

answers from Washington DC on

I agree with "follow your gut." In my opinion, they're old enough to be alone for short periods of time.

4 moms found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

My 10 and 8 year old stayed home over the summer a few times for up to 4 hours at a time. I would come home for lunch and break that up. This only happened on days when our sitter had her other job to go to. The younger one would go to his old daycare and they would stay home. It worked out well. They did as they were told.

One day I even came home to a clean house and the hamburgers were made for dinner (ready for the grill).

I think it would be okay during the day for a few hours, and if you are close by still. I wouldn't do it at night yet...but maybe that's just me.

3 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

If you feel like they are mature enough to follow your rules while you are gone, I am sure they will do great.

I was a latch key kid at 8.. No problems.

Our daughter started staying home at about 9. She also was fine.

Some people do not feel they can leave their kids for all sorts of reasons, it is the maturity that matters.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I am sure we were home alone at much younger ages than that. My friend's son is now 10 and he is allowed to bike from his school to the conservatory where he takes lessons, and to the public pool for swimming, and also stays at home alone with his little brother. They do quick "call checks" when he arrives somewhere, and all is well. I think you know your kids best. If your gut tells you it's fine then it should be. Babying them too much if they are ready will just keep them from growing into responsible adults.

3 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

with kids like this, under circumstances like this, i'd be fine with running out for very short trips. sounds like you've done a good job preparing them, and you're not planning to be gone for hours.
just make sure there's a 'dire emergency' plan, in case you get hit by a train while you're out.
khairete
S.

3 moms found this helpful

J.O.

answers from Boise on

Anything under an hour at that should be fine. I don't like to give an age cause every child is different. Some could be left home for hours at that age, others probably couldn't do it till they are 16. You know your kids, follow you gut.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Jacksonville on

I think a quick 5 or 10 minute trip is fine. I sometimes leave my 9 yr old alone (well, with the dog) to run across the street to the grocery store or to the pharmacy. She's alone for no more than 10 minutes and always does fine. She know the rules-don't answer the door EVER and only answer the phone if it has Daddy or Mommy's name on caller ID. Honestly, if we didn't have the dog I probably wouldn't leave her alone. But, the dog gives me a better sense of security because he's very protective of her.

2 moms found this helpful

S.G.

answers from Grand Forks on

At ten I allowed my older son to stay home alone for an hour or three at a time. He has taken a "home alone" class, knows the neighbours, knows 911, knows the rules (only answering the phone or door if it is someone he knows, no cooking) and he is a generally responsible kid. I haven't left him alone with my younger son yet, but I imagine we will try that soon. You know your own kids best and can tell when they are ready.

Why can't they eat while you are gone?

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.G.

answers from Dallas on

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_minimum_legal_age_t...

Says there is no law, recommended age for hours long trips is 12, short duration trips as you mention - 8 and above.

I was a latch-key kid at the age of 8 after school till mom got home from work. Neighbors were right next door. Make sure they have an emergency person to contact, know 911, and arrange with the neighbors that they can be an emergency contact.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Chicago on

I agree, every child is different. If you feel like you can trust them to do the right things then leaving them alone for short periods of time should be okay.

We just started doing that this year with our 12 year old, but last year she wasn't ready to be responsible enough to remember to do what she's told. She wasn't sneaky, just not responsible. For example, when we're gone she's supposed to have her phone on and next to her and she needs to answer it immediately. Last year we left the house, waited outside for 5 minutes and then called her. She didn't answer! So we came back in and she had forgotten to turn the ringer on her phone and she had left her bedroom without it.

You tested your children and they passed. It should be good.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

Both still too young to be left alone. Not sure what you mean about the California laws.

If you are close with your neighbors, I think age 12 and even then, I wouldn't leave a sibling near that age. Children that are a few years younger would be more likely to understand that the 12 year old is in charge. I would still alert my neighbor and ask if they would be around in case of emergency.

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Our son was 12 before he was comfortable about being home alone for an hour or so.
It's going to depend on the maturity of the kid but I'd say 8 and 9 is still too young.
If the house caught fire could they handle evacuating and calling 911?
You'd think when they are teens they could handle it but then for some you REALLY have to watch what they are up to if they are inviting boyfriend/girlfriend over when no one else is at home.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I plan on starting home alone training with both grand kids when they turn 10. I don't plan on going anywhere other than next door or outside doing stuff until I know they follow the rules and such.

Your child has shown you he is ready. I think short trips are fine. Do have a backup plan in case there is an accident and you can't get back on time. An adult who's keeping an eye out for him and for your return. This way if you're not able to get back they'll know he's been alone too long.

I think you're doing fine.

I always figured if a kid can go take the red cross classes to be a legal babysitter at 12 they should darn well be able to take care of themselves by then.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I personally think 9 is too young, but you know your child better than anyone. My daughter's are 9 (almost 10) and 11.5. I couldn't imagine leaving them alone by themselves, especially not in charge of my 17 month old, even if they are great with him when I'm around. But I am trying to hold onto every bit of youth they have for as long as I can.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Eau Claire on

Here is WI you can take a babysitting class at 9. I think at 9 and 10 being alone for a little while is good. When our oldest were 7 and 5, they were latch key kids before school. Hubby and I worked so there was about 15 minutes in the morning that they were alone before they walked the 2 blocks to school. I did let the teacher know to call if there were any issues and there never was.

We also just recently started letting out now 7 year old stay home occasionally if we are going to be gone for less than 1/2 hour. We ran thru the drills, let him know what to do, who to call. He enjoyed being home. It just depends on the kid.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Cleveland on

I've been on this board a long time, and you are right this question has come up ALOT!!
I can't remember ever thinking that YES the person asking has really trained their children well and they sound every responsible and yes it would be ok.
You are the first time.

Seriously, your kids know what to do, you have practiced, you sound intelligent and so you your kids. And it sounds like you live an a decent place where they would have help from others in a true emergency.

i'm inclined to say yes, my kids are about the same age and the only reason I don't let them is because my youngest (8 1/2 yo) is a little poop and would break the rules and instigate things with her brother and decided to make a quiche or something and burn the house down. and I know she wouldn't be ready to be left with out her brother so for that reason we don't.

the second thing to consider is I was ok letting the 10 yo stay home for 10 min in the summer during day light while I went for a walk w the 8 yo. DH took that as a sign that since we had done it once we could do it all the time, He wanted DS to say alone, until DH could get home from work 7 pm dark out on icy roads. I said no and cancelled my plans. how knows what would have happened if Dh had had an accident. plus it was dark and more of a convenience thing for DH how had gone out for drinks after work with friends in stead of coming home like he should have. Believe me, we had a discussion about that!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Here in Calgary, Canda we got in trouble for leaving our 9 yo home alone. 12 is the age. And they recommend a class for the kids to take (money grubbing, is what I think)
I was babysitting full time, days and nights, when I was 10 - but I don't want trouble with the law, so 12 it will be.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions