What age is appropriate ?

Question

At what age is it appropriate for a child to stay home alone.
I know every child is different.
My step son is 10 years old 
I’m conflicted because his dad is going out of town tomorrow & I have to work in the morning?
Would it be bad if he stayed by hisself in the morning from 7am- 9 am. Honestly he would most likely be asleep. Even if he woke up he’s pretty self sufficient ( he can make his own cereal & always starts his school work first thing)
He has an iPad he could use to contact me or anyone else he needs. 
I have cameras set up at the house so I can see & talk to him. - plus we have several close neighbors who could could keep an eye on things.

Answer

Some states have laws stating what age is allowed to be left alone. My mom didn’t pay much attention to those. She just told us to lock the door and not answer it for anyone and not let anyone see us if they came to the door. 
She had us (me and my brother) get off the bus and stay home alone for about an hour when I was 6 and he was 5. 
When I was 10 she would leave me, my 9 year old brother and 7 year old sister home alone all day. We’d even rollerblade or ride our bikes to her work to drop off my sister if she got on our nerves too bad. 
I think it’s case by case. It really depends on how mature the child is. Some 10 year olds would be fine if left home alone. Others I wouldn’t even consider it. How well does the child follow directions? Does child know what to do if something happened? I’d check the laws for your state and then have a talk with him to see if he knows the things he needs to know in order to be left home alone.

Answer

Check your local laws. Some states have a minimum age, but most don’t. Then it’s up to your judgement. I was home alone for short periods around 9. And one of my sisters and I were babysitting at 11 after taking the American Red Cross course. But another one of my sisters wasn’t left alone until she was close to high school. 
It sounds like your stepson is pretty responsible. So if it’s a couple hours where he’ll mostly be asleep, it’s probably okay. Just make sure he knows not to answer the door, don’t use any appliances he shouldn’t use without adult supervision, and what to do in an emergency.

Answer

My mom left me alone occasionally when I was 10 and I watched my 8 year old sister. I was a certified babysitter and in CPR at age 10. I babysat other little kids at 12. However, my sister was very irresponsible and less mature. She didn’t get left alone til like 14. 
I’d say it’s totally kid dependent. If your child is really responsible, knows what to do in case of emergencies and you are comfortable with it, then it’s fine.

Answer

That’s too young in my opinion and I would check your local laws about it as well.

Answer

I think it depends on your child at 10 some kids are still really dependent on parents and some are very independent and self sufficient. What does his dad say ? If his dad is ok with it and you feel comfortable that’s up to you guys .

Answer

Check local laws as some have rules about when they can stay home. I don't know about my state but I wouldn't let a 10 year old stay home alone. My mom started leaving me home alone when I was 12 after school for an hour until she got home

Answer

There is no law declaring an age in my state. I started staying home at 10 in the mornings before school and after school. (Parents and sister all started work/school before me. I was first to get home as well because I lived right by my elementary school.)

Answer

I was a certified babysitter at the age of 11. It's kid specific. If you feel he is responsible enough to be alone for a short time, it's fine. I would be weary only because his other parent might not find this okay.

Answer

Are there state laws on this? I thought it was 12 for kids.

What age is appropriate ?

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