When are children legal to be left alone?

[freddy23]

Hi. Can anyone out there help me? I live in New York state. My son just turned 11 years old a couple months ago. His father feels he should be able to be left alone over the summer without supervision. I always thought That by law a child has to be at least twelve years old to be allowed to be left alone legally? Does anyone know? I personally don't think he is old enough or mature enough but would like to know what the law states. Thanks

 

[MySonsMom]

There is no set age limit, it is determined by individual persons.

You are however, responsible for your children until they are 18 if they are left unattended.

In my town here, there is a class that children can take that helps them learn how to be babysitters...The class is for children ages 10-13.

It just depends on the child, and their maturity level. If social services were called on a child left alone, they would most likely quiz the child on what to do in emergencies, how to contact parents and other adults etc...If they child has been taught all this they should be alright.

I have a 10 yr old that stays home by himself. He's not quite mature enough to "babysit" other children, but he is mature enough to take care of himself. And I may add, he has learned alot and matured emensely from being able to be home alone.

To sum it up, it's based on the children and their family

 

[freddy23]

Thanks for your reply. I have started letting him stay home for an hour here and there. I will have to see how he handles that responsibilty. I guess it all comes down to the fact that I am not comfortable leaving him alone for 7 or 8 hours. 5 days a week. That's a lot of time with other kids in the neighborhood wanting to play in the pool or just cuz there bored finding things to do that aren't exactly safe or kosher. Thanks

 

[MySonsMom]

That's how we started too, an hour here an hour there. With of course, a Mother like me lurking down the street just to "make sure". It's always hard to take that step with our children. Beleive me, the first day I let my son walk to and from school; I got in my car and followed him along in my car and cried the whole time because he was growing up so quickly.

I agree, all day is a long time. But when you have to work, and daycamp and such are so expensive for some people; what do you do. This is just my suggestion...when my son is home alone he is not allowed to leave the house or have anyone in the house. This way, the could be accidents or trouble that he can get into is lessened.

Good luck with whatever you decide.