What age is old enough for a child to stay home alone?

Question

I was watching a show were a mother left her 9 year old home alone. I feel like that's too young. What are your opinions ?

Answer

It depends on the child. My oldest is ten. He would be plenty old enough and responsible enough to stay home by himself (especially given that we have family surrounding us who are home all day/night).

My youngest, however, might never be responsible enough to stay home alone. Like, not even as an adult. Lol.

So it depends on the child and state laws, imo.

Answer

13, that's the youngest that acceptable. I don't care "how mature" you think your child is, they should be at least a teenager.  And if you have multiple child then that age should be bumped up.
Like if you have a 5 and 8 year old as well then the oldest should be like 15/16 to stay home alone with them and be responsible for those other kids.

Answer

Yea I'd say depends on how mature and responsible the kid is.. my mother used to let me and my sister take the city bus to school and home..she was 10 and I was 6 . Of course that was like in 1989.. always made it home safe and sound with no problem.. the world is a very different place now

Answer

My parents started leaving me home alone when I was in 6th grade. I would come home from school, secretly watch Jenny and Maury (haha) and do my homework. But they sent my little brother to after school program in elementary, and sports in middle and high school. I don't think he stayed home alone until he was out of high school. He was trouble.

Answer

I was 7 and was fine. It depends on how well behaved the child is and where you live.

Answer

I would follow the law, but after that I guess it depends on the child.

Answer

I was home alone at 4 with my 2 year old brother and we were fine. I made him breakfast, lunch and dinner, bathed him and put him to bed. We never had any issues. then when I was 10 I had an 8 and a newborn and we were still always fine. I cooked, cleaned , bathed and put them to bed. Now my brother is currently 15 and can't stay home alone.  The other is 11 and stays home. It just depends on the kid.

Answer

Most states have a law. In most I believe it's 13. But I was left home alone at 10.

Answer

Depends on the kid, where you're going and for how long.

Answer

I was around 9 or 10 when my parents started leaving my brother and I home alone. It was never an issue, but we were good kids