What age is suitable for children to stay home alone
By glwhitejr
@glwhitejr (14)
United States
August 22, 2007 10:35pm CST
I am a single male parent that has two children. One is 11 and the other is 8. I was curious as to what everyone thought was a suitable age for children to stay home alone after school or while errands were being ran. The cost of daycare/after school care and baby sitters are expensive and I really don't have the money to spend on them. So what does everyone think on a suitable age?
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1 response
@copperkitten (3473)
• United States
23 Aug 07
I guess it all depends on how mature the child is. I was staying home after scholl with my brother when I was 12. We were only ever there for an hour or two. I think 12-14 is a good age. They know how to call for help if they need it. They know not to let in strangers, ect. If you think they can stay home give it a try. Leave them home and go to the store. See what happens.
@glwhitejr (14)
• United States
23 Aug 07
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I was thinking like you, maybe do a few short errands at first and see how it goes. I live in a great neighborhood which is also has a neighborhood watch program so the fear of anything other than destroying the house or killing each other would be of no concern.
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