At what age would you...

[shelbyjosh]

How old would your kids be before you would leave them home alone? DD is 9 and DS is 6. I wouldn't dare think of leaving them alone right now. When we were at WDW we left them in the room at OKW alone for about 1/2 hour. They were in bed watching Toon Disney. We told them not to answer the phone, door, etc. We got back and they did just fine. I am just not sure how old she should be before we give her the responsibilty of watching her brother and the house. Would be nice to go to dinner or grocery shopping without them.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I started leaving dd at home alone when she earned that right. We started slow at 10yo, quick trips to grocery store, gas station, etc...she had to follow the rules we had.

When she started middle school then she was 'ready'.

However we did not allow her to babysit her younger sister until she turned 12.

 

[jx3smom]

Mine were about 10 when left alone for short periods of time. I do think that she is too young to care for younger brother, though. I would until the age of 12 or 13 for that.

 

[Blondie]

I think 9 is too young to leave at home with a 6 y.o.

We started leaving our boys alone when they were 10 and 11, and that was for short trips to the grocery store. We have a BIG dog that wouldn't let anyone in the front door, so that made us feel a little safer in doing so.

For extended periods of time (more than an hour while I had a doctor's appt. or if I had a meeting to attend) they were 11 and 12 years old and we gave them the drill like who do you call in the event of a fire, emgerency, no cooking allowed while we are gone, don't answer the door, etc. We always kept our cell phone number on speed dial, and they did just fine.

 

[Mimi Q]

Starting leaving 11 yo DD alone for very short trips recently. So far, so good. I always have my cell phone with me and am never more than 10 minutes away.

 

[ShuisFan584]

My parents let my sister and I start staying home by ourselves when we reached middle school, which was probably age 11 or 12. It usually wasn't for too long of a time though, becauce I got home a little earlier than everyone else, and just had to wait for them to come home.

 

[huey duey & luey]

My kids are still little, so maybe I will change my mind but I was going to say 13

 

[binny]

wow I was just going to post this last night.
DS is 9 and is wanting to try but I think hes too young.
Im not sure when the right age is though.
Would love to hear more opinions.

 

[snoopy]

My kids are 9 and 5, and I don't see leaving them alone in the very near future. Perhaps when the oldest is about 10/11 I might leave him alone for a short period of time. I also think it depends a lot on the kid -- my my oldest has always been the responsible type and doesn't get into much mischief. The younger one, on the other hand, lets just say I think I'll be a wreck leaving him alone until he has left for college, and even then I might be nervous.

 

[pkasbohm]

i have left my 9 year old home before but it has been only to run to the bank or to get gas. If it would be longer I would make him go with me. We have the usual rules, no answering phones and doors. I tell him if i need to get a hold of him with my cell phone i will call and let the answering machine pick up and then tell him to pick up the phone. However, we live in a very small town where it only takes me 5 min. to get to the bank. You just have to use your judgement and see if the child is mature enough to stay home by himself.
Pam

 

[DISshopkeeper]

35 seems about right to me.

Really, though, my oldest was 11-12 when I started doing this. My biggest fear has always been that they will kill EACH OTHER. We also have a large dog and that does add a sense of security.

 

[Celluloidgal]

10 was what our oldest was. Funny, 10 seems to be the going age. And then, only for short trips (5 min or less), and no watching little brothers/sister. Go over "the rules". I think it depends more on their maturity level then a physical age. Our second child is reaching that age milestone, but I don't think she is ready.

 

[Robmom]

My DD is 11 and I will leave her at home if I have to go to the grocery store. I would be out the most 20 minutes. I don't really feel comforable to leave her for longer periods of time, but she is very responsible. I remember leaving her in our WDW hotel room alone when she was 9, but just to go to the food court. I didn't want her to come with me because we saw lightning and I figured she was safer in the room. But I made sure that she was not to answer the door. In fact, she put the bolt on the door until she saw me at the window to open it for me.

 

[shelbyjosh]

I remember back many years when I was 9-10 years old. My mom was a single parent and she worked for Chrysler. She would call me every morning around 7 to wake me up. I would eat, dress, etc. and get myself out the door for the bus. There were times when I would come home to an empty house when she worked OT. I was always very responsible when it came to getting myself going in the a.m. I know times have changed since then and you can't trust people anymore. I also used to walk home from school in 2nd grade 4-5 blocks alone. DD is 9 and we are about 10 min walk from school. No way would I let her walk it alone now. Give her another few years and I'll consider it. Too many crazy people out there nowadays.

 

[disykat]

We've just started leaving our 11 and 8 (9 next month) year olds alone for very brief periods. I think I've done it twice - for less than an hour each time. They did fine, but it makes me nervous.

Our plan is to do it more often when the oldest hits twelve and then possibly an occasional evening (after dark!) when he hits 13. Part of it depends on if the neighbors are around to call if needed.

 

[Cruise04]

4th grade. It was for an hour and a half and I'm 5 minutes from home. She had (and still does) call me to let me know she's home and safe and we talk about her day. Now mind you, she is a VERY mature person and was then. I had no worries.