At what age is it ok to leave kids alone at home?

Superdad · #1 02-07-2007, 09:35

I'm talking about more than 5 hours. I have a 6 year old daughter. Obviously I'm not an expert parent.She's a very responsible mature girl who mostly enjoys calm activities and she has never given me any trouble.

eyescatchxfire · #2 02-07-2007, 10:05

I would say any age older than the age of ten.Anything younger I suggest a babysitter.

luvbug7982 · #3 02-07-2007, 10:16

please tell me youre not talking about leaving your 6 year old daughter alone?! that would be insaneanyway i believe there are laws about that too. in texas, under 13 years of age is considered too young to be alone and parents can face serious charges including abandonment and negligence, child endangerment etc.However, i think even 13 is too young.

bryce c · #4 02-07-2007, 10:35

i say around 12 yrs old or maybe 13?

DeeJay · #5 02-07-2007, 11:07

There are laws set by your State.Please call you local State Human Service Office.They will tell you what the law is.That's all I have to say, but your question scares me.

TLC · #6 02-07-2007, 11:15

at least 10, but that would depend on maturity and how far away you will be. you would need to have some pretty strict rules regarding answering the door or the phone, having a friend over may not be a good idea.

lemonyellowbugs · #7 02-07-2007, 11:26

over night probably not during the day at six years old i think it would fine, she sounds like a very grown up and well behaved girl. if in doubt you could asked her if she feels comfortable staying at home by herself

Criss · #8 02-07-2007, 11:55

You have to wait more!I supose that 8-9 years is ok!

klojkb · #9 02-07-2007, 12:05

Are you crazy? You shouldn't leave a 6 year old home alone for 15 minutes never mind more than 5 hours. In my state the law states 12. My son is 13 and I just started leaving him home during the day occasionally and I still call several times a day. I don't know your situation, but I am guessing that you need to work and can't afford child care. I know that thisngs can be tough, but you must find another alternative to leaving her home alone.

Privileged · #10 02-07-2007, 12:15

13 at least, please dont leave your 6 yr old daughter at home alone

dawn l · #11 02-07-2007, 12:35

I wouldnt leave a 6 year old in the house herself. What if something happened, she is too young to act sensibly in any situation. Legally the age is 14 i think (i live in scotland) so shes got years yet. However if she is mature, i would say maybe 12.

becauseitsme · #12 02-07-2007, 14:35

6??... give her 7 years more... and she would be fine. But please don't leave her alone... I used to be left alone sometimes when i was little... and i really hated!!... I felt lonely talking to the walls... and watching TV that didnt teach me anything!

organized chaos · #13 02-07-2007, 14:46

i personally think at/about the age of 14 or 15. i have two nephews that i myself raised when i lived with my parents and when they were with me they were never left alone. it just takes one moment of someone not being there and that one moment anything could happen. they could hurt them-self or cause their own death unintently from anything of falling down steps to playing with a toy and sticking a piece of it in their mouth and suffocation or turning on the stove to make some food and burning them-self. i would get a babysitter or have her in a daycare during the time that you have something to do. hope this helps

alex575mf1 · #14 02-07-2007, 15:55

okay...SIX is way too young to be leaving a child home alone. my parents first started leaving me home alone when i was 12. when your daughter can learn to make or get her own food, and when you feel you can trust her, then you can let her stay in the house alone. i would wait another six years or more, at least until you feel comfortable knowing that she'll be okay alone in the house