When is a child old enough to stay home alone?

[LisaHarman]

When is a child old enough to stay home alone?


basically the question says it all. When do you think a child is at the right age to start being left at home by themselves?

A discussion I have been having alot with people lately and it is amazing to hear when people think that kids are old enough to be left home alone whilst you duck out to the shops or run a quick errand.

My eldest is 8 and in no way do I feel safe enough for her to be left alone whilst I go run errands. Perhaps I dont have alot of confidence in her but I just feel that no matter how much safety protection I install into her there is always a feeling that she wont use it.

I am not sure when I will feel it is the right time for DD to be left by herself let alone looking after her siblings.

[yomamma]

it all depends on how mature the child is. I know of 8yearolds looking after the younger ones while mum goes out shopping, but they are mature enough to do it. I recently left my 12 yearold and his friend (who looks after his little brother) for the first time ever. It was an hour and they just watched tv and didn't answer the phone when I rang. They followed instructions very well indeed.

[Leigh]

My eldest is 8, so have a little while yet to decide what is the right age for us. Everyone is different I think.

If you do a search, this topic has come up quite a few times with lots of interesting opinions. I think there was one just recently :)

[kezabelle]

Hey Lisa - I basically started the same conversation a couple of days ago on All For Women :) If you check out my thread on Overprotective parenting - you'll see some of the replies. But, I'm sure the girls will respond to yours soon enough anyway :)

[LisaHarman]

Kezabelle thank you for letting me know. I will head on over and search for it..

thanks for the replies all the same ladies.

[mel76]

Our son is nearly 12 & we leave him at home - (only sometimes) so we can go & pay bills.
We aren't gone that long prob 1 & 1/2 hours at the most. He's very mature for his age so i have no problems with him being at home (i also have really great neighbours) but i wouldn't leave my other children with him.
i trust my son completely which i love!