Home Alone?

oo_let_me_see · Jun 10th, 2008, 10:13 AM

Hi everyone. Just wondering about your thoughts on an appropriate age to leave children home alone. I guess I'm a bit overprotective with my daughter, who turns 13 in January. She's always wanting to just stay home when I need to run out for a few minutes (bank, grocery store, etc.), and I have a hard time letting her. But she has friends and cousins that stay home by themselves all the time, sometimes for hours at a time. Thoughts?

artich0ke · Jun 10th, 2008, 11:42 AM

My parents were both nurses and had to work a lot, so I remember being home alone at 10 to take care of my little brothers (then 8 and 5). I'd say if you're comfortable with your daughter's ability to use a stove/other appliances safely, she's okay to stay home. My parents used to make me call once an hour to check in - maybe you could have your daughter do the same?

Swanky Mama Of Three · Jun 10th, 2008, 01:38 PM

I could maybe allow a 13 yr old for a 30 minute errand.
I was babysitting at 12 for 2 children, but it's not the same world today.

HauteMama · Jun 10th, 2008, 01:51 PM

I struggle with this myself, except my children are younger. My oldest is 8, and I have friends who allow their 8 year olds to stay home while they run to the store for a quick errand. Perhaps it is the difference in children, but there is NO WAY my 8 year old is ready to stay home alone, even for a short time!

So unfortunately I don't know. I am hoping that I will know when they are ready, and all I know for sure right now is that they are not ready yet. I was home alone at my son's age, but like Swanky said, it is a different world today.

Swanky Mama Of Three · Jun 10th, 2008, 04:50 PM

^I think we'll know. . . my DD just turned 7 and I also cannot imagine her being home alone not even to run out for 30 minutes!

Demosthenes · Jun 10th, 2008, 07:59 PM

I was left home alone from about 8. I had a single mom who worked 2 jobs and couldn't afford a sitter. But then again, I was a really mellow, independent, and easy kid. I was probably forced to mature faster than other kids, so I was totally fine. I'd have to do laundry, cook, clean, etc.

For my own kid, I'd probably take with me until he was a teen. I dunno... I'm just really protective.

elizat · Jun 10th, 2008, 09:13 PM

My parents have a 12 year old- 13 soon- and they leave him for a few hours at a time. He doesn't like to go shopping, out to eat, or do a lot of things. They check on him every hour or two, but all he does is play Gameboy or watch music videos on You Tube the whole time they are gone. He knows how to use the appliances and cook a little, which was required before they let him stay home alone.

BagLadie · Jun 13th, 2008, 06:39 PM

Depends on the child.

hellosunshine · Jun 13th, 2008, 07:18 PM

my mom worked alot when i was younger and i was frequently told to watch over my younger sister everyday after school. I was 12 years old at the time and yea it wasn't bad at all. We just didn't go anywhere..i used to watch tv, make a snack, talk on the phone, do my homework, etc. we just never left the house..but we sometimes had neighborhood friends come over occasionally. I think as long you don't leave the house and if you do your not walking around the neighborhood aimlessly alone (always have somebody with you, for sure)..then i think it should be okay.

LV Luvr · Jun 13th, 2008, 07:23 PM

I think it depends on the child and their maturity. I remember when my mom left me home the 1st time. Literally she drove my ssiter to be dropped off at a frineds about 2 blocks away. I cried by the door the whole time she was gone. I think I was 12-13. She was back within minutes. She would do small trips like that before she left me for going to the grocery or something. I would just ease into it. Like maybe take a 10 minute walk around the neighborhood and work up from there.

ChristyR143 · Jun 13th, 2008, 07:51 PM

Yeah, I totally agree that it really depends on the individual child, but I think a 13 year old would be okay for a short time. Just so long as they are familiar with all the regular kitchen safety stuff, as someone else already mentioned, and knows to call 911 in case of an emergency.

burberryprncess · Jun 14th, 2008, 02:40 AM

It really depends on the maturity of the child. My son is 11 and teases his younger brother all the time. ....so I can't trust him alone with him. On the other hand, I was a mature 10 y/o, so my mom allowed me to stay by myself for a short period while she did her errands.

KatsBags · Jun 14th, 2008, 11:05 PM

We started leaving our son alone for short periods (an hour or so) when he was about 11. It's now up to 2-3 hours and he'll be 13 in Nov.

That said, we don't leave him "in charge" of his 9 y/o sister. She comes with us or goes to a friend's house during that time.

He knows the rules and has never broken any.

lovinalotofbags · Jun 14th, 2008, 11:58 PM

I was born in the late 60s, a latchkey kid. I was left home alone younger than 13 and had no problem with it. I was mature for my age and could do cooking and cleaning. There were four of us. I was the second oldest and I just looked after my younger brother. If you find that she is responsible, tell her what not to do when you are not there.

galligator · Jun 15th, 2008, 12:04 AM

My oldest is 8 & will probably be ok to stay home alone at 12; but she's always been super mature. I am really looking at the safety & awareness issue: Can she judge when to open the door, call 911, etc. I think she will have some safety/CPR courses by then & that will also help me to know that she is ok for small emergencies. It is weird, I am pretty protective; I started babysitting at 12 & stopped at 16. So many people today won't even use a babysitter that young. Times do change.

Jun 10th, 2008, 10:13 AM	#1
oo_let_me_see CL Best Username '08 Location: la la land	Home Alone? Hi everyone. Just wondering about your thoughts on an appropriate age to leave children home alone. I guess I'm a bit overprotective with my daughter, who turns 13 in January. She's always wanting to just stay home when I need to run out for a few minutes (bank, grocery store, etc.), and I have a hard time letting her. But she has friends and cousins that stay home by themselves all the time, sometimes for hours at a time. Thoughts?

Jun 10th, 2008, 11:42 AM	#2
artich0ke Member Location: down the Cape	My parents were both nurses and had to work a lot, so I remember being home alone at 10 to take care of my little brothers (then 8 and 5). I'd say if you're comfortable with your daughter's ability to use a stove/other appliances safely, she's okay to stay home. My parents used to make me call once an hour to check in - maybe you could have your daughter do the same? __________________ artich0ke

Jun 10th, 2008, 01:38 PM	#3
Swanky Mama Of Three Location: Dallas Area	I could maybe allow a 13 yr old for a 30 minute errand. I was babysitting at 12 for 2 children, but it's not the same world today. __________________ Holy inappropriateness!!! - a la Bethenny

Jun 10th, 2008, 04:50 PM	#5
Swanky Mama Of Three Location: Dallas Area	^I think we'll know. . . my DD just turned 7 and I also cannot imagine her being home alone not even to run out for 30 minutes! __________________ Holy inappropriateness!!! - a la Bethenny

Jun 10th, 2008, 07:59 PM	#6
Demosthenes Member	I was left home alone from about 8. I had a single mom who worked 2 jobs and couldn't afford a sitter. But then again, I was a really mellow, independent, and easy kid. I was probably forced to mature faster than other kids, so I was totally fine. I'd have to do laundry, cook, clean, etc. For my own kid, I'd probably take with me until he was a teen. I dunno... I'm just really protective. __________________

Jun 10th, 2008, 01:51 PM	#4
HauteMama Member	I struggle with this myself, except my children are younger. My oldest is 8, and I have friends who allow their 8 year olds to stay home while they run to the store for a quick errand. Perhaps it is the difference in children, but there is NO WAY my 8 year old is ready to stay home alone, even for a short time! So unfortunately I don't know. I am hoping that I will know when they are ready, and all I know for sure right now is that they are not ready yet. I was home alone at my son's age, but like Swanky said, it is a different world today.

Jun 10th, 2008, 09:13 PM	#7
elizat Member	My parents have a 12 year old- 13 soon- and they leave him for a few hours at a time. He doesn't like to go shopping, out to eat, or do a lot of things. They check on him every hour or two, but all he does is play Gameboy or watch music videos on You Tube the whole time they are gone. He knows how to use the appliances and cook a little, which was required before they let him stay home alone.

Jun 13th, 2008, 06:39 PM	#8
BagLadie Got a handle on it Location: Red Sox Nation	Depends on the child. __________________ One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. - Bob Marley

Jun 13th, 2008, 07:18 PM	#9
hellosunshine Hi, I'm Sara!	my mom worked alot when i was younger and i was frequently told to watch over my younger sister everyday after school. I was 12 years old at the time and yea it wasn't bad at all. We just didn't go anywhere..i used to watch tv, make a snack, talk on the phone, do my homework, etc. we just never left the house..but we sometimes had neighborhood friends come over occasionally. I think as long you don't leave the house and if you do your not walking around the neighborhood aimlessly alone (always have somebody with you, for sure)..then i think it should be okay. __________________ MY LOVELY COLLECTION: Louis Vuitton Vernis Agenda '08 Balenciaga White Work with Giant Gold Hardware Multicolor White Louis Vuitton Wapity Louis Vuitton Azur Speedy 30 Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy Soon To Add: Rebecca Minkoff Yellow Nikki Coin Purses Balenciaga!

Jun 13th, 2008, 07:23 PM	#10
LV Luvr Member	I think it depends on the child and their maturity. I remember when my mom left me home the 1st time. Literally she drove my ssiter to be dropped off at a frineds about 2 blocks away. I cried by the door the whole time she was gone. I think I was 12-13. She was back within minutes. She would do small trips like that before she left me for going to the grocery or something. I would just ease into it. Like maybe take a 10 minute walk around the neighborhood and work up from there. __________________ WISH LIST!!!! Azur Speedy 30 - Got it! LV Black Lurex Scarf - Got it! Vernis Sunset Boulevarde in Pomme - Got it! Gucci Diaper Bag - Got it! Juicy Earrings - Got it! Chanel Lambskin Flap w/sh Monogram Pink Denim Shawl Monogram Eva Red Epi Lockit Keepall 55 Monogram Toilette Manhattan GM Diamond Accent Ring Chanel Sunnies Dream Bag(s): Chanel Jumbo White Flap w/GH or Black GST w/GH!

Jun 13th, 2008, 07:51 PM	#11
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Location: Texas	Yeah, I totally agree that it really depends on the individual child, but I think a 13 year old would be okay for a short time. Just so long as they are familiar with all the regular kitchen safety stuff, as someone else already mentioned, and knows to call 911 in case of an emergency. __________________

Jun 14th, 2008, 02:40 AM	#12
burberryprncess Sophie Location: Southern California	It really depends on the maturity of the child. My son is 11 and teases his younger brother all the time. ....so I can't trust him alone with him. On the other hand, I was a mature 10 y/o, so my mom allowed me to stay by myself for a short period while she did her errands. __________________ Hope your holidays are bright with surprise and delight.

Jun 14th, 2008, 11:05 PM	#13
KatsBags Have a Nice Day~Jon Location: Amid Mountains of Handbags	We started leaving our son alone for short periods (an hour or so) when he was about 11. It's now up to 2-3 hours and he'll be 13 in Nov. That said, we don't leave him "in charge" of his 9 y/o sister. She comes with us or goes to a friend's house during that time. He knows the rules and has never broken any. __________________

Jun 14th, 2008, 11:58 PM	#14
lovinalotofbags In for the long haul Location: South Carolina	I was born in the late 60s, a latchkey kid. I was left home alone younger than 13 and had no problem with it. I was mature for my age and could do cooking and cleaning. There were four of us. I was the second oldest and I just looked after my younger brother. If you find that she is responsible, tell her what not to do when you are not there. __________________ Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so much.

Jun 15th, 2008, 12:04 AM	#15
galligator Mostly Harmless	My oldest is 8 & will probably be ok to stay home alone at 12; but she's always been super mature. I am really looking at the safety & awareness issue: Can she judge when to open the door, call 911, etc. I think she will have some safety/CPR courses by then & that will also help me to know that she is ok for small emergencies. It is weird, I am pretty protective; I started babysitting at 12 & stopped at 16. So many people today won't even use a babysitter that young. Times do change.