At what age can a child be at home alone?

Parkerboy

I was watching a news program and it was reported a complaint was filed against parents who left their 13 yr old at home while they went out to dinner for 2 hours. Perhaps times have changed so much I'm out of step but this is ludicrous, I stayed at home many times alone when I was younger than 13. It isn't like I couldn't call a relative if I needed something. The news report stated authorities did not think it appropriate to leave any child under the age of 16 alone but that it wasn't against the law.

I'd be interested in what others think is an appropriate age providing the child does not have any disabilities and is intelligent and mature as any other kids if similar age 

AC Man

My wife was babysitting at 13. Insane 16. 

2amigo

I left my oldest home alone at 12.   My oldest was out and about anyway when we were at home during the day.  Home was probably safer. 

Tarponator

Depends on the kid and parents and how far away they will be.  Generally, I'd say an age between ages 10 and 13.

AC Man

I don't remember how old I was, well after babysitter, maybe 13. I was always the level headed kid that didn't do dumb things. Till this night. Made a batch of gun powder from my chemistry set. Yes you could buy the ingredients at the local hobby shop. Where I went wrong......Lit it up on a paper towel on the kitchen table. Instant flash fire. Burn holes in the table and chair covers. Probably the dumbest thing I did, which is far less than my friends. LOL. I opened every window in the house till my parents got home late. They didn't notice the smell and smoke, but the burn holes gave it away the next day.

stc1993

I'd say around 10-12 if it's daytime. If there's 3-4 of them together maybe not that young.

Slough

Some 16 year olds don't need to be home alone. Depends on kid, up bringing and possibly neighborhood. 

Soda Popinski

Who complained?  How is this news?  More people sticking their noses in none of their cuss cuss business!!   Nothing happened, accept someone got their undies bunched up about nothing.   

Fish Haid

6-7 assuming they are old enough to use a phone, and have a gun for protection if it's a bad neighborhood.

mjn

I always went with 11. If they can call 911, know the address and phone numbers of the house and relatives, I was good with it.

When I was 11 I was taking care of my 1 year old twin brothers who were infants, feedings, diapers, bedtime, the whole shot. This was special occasions like new years and I would be alone for 8+ hours at a time. everything was fine. When I was 13 I was still doing it, but now with a 3rd brother. 13 years old, 2 3 year old toddlers and an infant. Everything was still fine.

tankard

When I was a kid our babysitters were 12 or so. I'm just glad I'm not 20 years younger, this world is going insane.

1outlaw

I would say 10 was it for me and pretty sure that about the age are started leaving my sons alone,

SAENole

I was riding my bike to and from school and staying by myself afterwards at age 9.  

But it's more dangerous today than it was in 1980.  

dolfanjoey

The IRS says 13 and above you don't need child care.

ferris1248

dolfanjoey said:

The IRS says 13 and above you don't need child care.

Not really. They just say you can't deduct it.

Griz

I was home alone before 10.  At 13 my parents went out of town and I stayed behind.  Lots of neighbors to watch out for me and Aunts and Uncles not too far away.  I loved it.  They bought me whatever I wanted for food and I'd watch sports and the Midnight Special.  Woohoo!

Soda Popinski

Griz said:

I was home alone before 10.  At 13 my parents went out of town and I stayed behind.  Lots of neighbors to watch out for me and Aunts and Uncles not too far away.  I loved it.  They bought me whatever I wanted for food and I'd watch sports and the Midnight Special.  Woohoo!

I think 13 is fine for being left alone for the night, but unfortunately now, my son is 15, and he's dating girls who have cars...so now i can't leave him home alone for a night or two.    I mean I could, but it's much more fun to be a cuss blocker hehe.   My  dad did it my sophomore year too, we had it all planned out, he was going out of town, we had girls coming over, we get home from school and his cars there.... What.....the....hell......dad????     Now its my turn

Slough

When I started the first grade, I rode the bus home to an empty house. Now my Grandparents lived next door and Grandfather farmed, so he was outside somewhere in one of the fields or barnyard. Grandmother was at home, but no one watching over me. Mother would be home after 5. Times are different now. Back then, I roamed the fields, woods and down the dirt road to play with cousins without having to ask. This was late 60's early 70's.

treemanjohn

Isn't it strange that kids at 10 can go unattended outside, but inside a locked home is quesitoned

Soda Popinski

treemanjohn said:

Isn't it strange that kids at 10 can go unattended outside, but inside a locked home is quesitoned

well inside is where mom keeps the tide pods

Bimini Twisted

Interesting article on how we make the world out to be a much more dangerous place than it really is.

I let my 9-year-old ride the subway alone. I got labeled the 'world's worst mom.'

https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/01/16/i-let-my-9-year-old-ride-the-subway-alone-i-got-labeled-the-worlds-worst-mom/?utm_term=.cceda5bd81bd

Florida Ex-pat

12 if there are not Tide Pods in the house, 21 if there are.

AaronCannon

Lol, i got dropped off at a friends house in 3rd grade.
We were expected to ride bikes to school, and back, have homework done by time his mom got home in afternoon.
She had wooden spoons, so we did.

mustang190

According to the federal government a 26 year old is still considered a child. 
Welcome to snowflake America!