What is the general age most of you are comfortable leaving your kids home alone? I have a very mature 11-year-old, a nine-year-old, and six-year-old. There are times that it would be so much easier to make a quick run to get milk or something, like a 30min time frame, without the kids. I have cameras in my house, a house phone, two big dogs, and we live in a good area. Is this something that seems ok to do, or would you not, even for a quick run?
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I’m a latchkey kid so i was being left with my brother by the time i was 8 and babysitting for different friends and neighbors by the time i was 10. I’d definitely look into what your state and county laws are first though just to be on the safe side. At the end of the day only you can decide if they’re old and mature enough for this.
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I believe it really depends on the child. Some kids shouldn’t be left alone at 20 and others are good at 11. The safety of your home is also important. I was left alone at age 8 - but that was in the 1970’s. I left my child at age 11 - because daycares no longer take children at that age. Go figure when most states legal age is 14.
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i hate babysitting my little cousins bc theyre old enough to watch themselves. i first started babysitting my young sisters when i was 9. was hell but thats better than having an adult with better things to do do it when the kids are old enough to do it themselves.
I left my daughter home alone with her brother when they were 13 and 7. It was only for a short time, and my husband works five minutes from home. I also made sure the neighbor would be home and could keep an eye on the house, just in case, and my daughter has also taken babysitting classes and is CPR and first aid certified.
I put my foot down at 11 to be left home alone. I didnt want to go to a baby sitter I just wanted to stay home and sleep lmao so my mom let me then. She only worked 10 minutes away and my neighbors watched over me I had people if something was wrong. I knew what not to do and stuff.
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In Wisconsin the Red Cross offers a babysitting course to 11 year olds, which includes education on babysitting infants. You could look to see if your state offers something like that for peace of mind. Ultimately, it’s up to you, your comfort level, your children, and their comfort level. Definetly have a conversation with them and make sure they’re all comfortable and okay with the plan if you choose to do so. Have an emergency plan in place that everyone knows and is on the same page about.
I found a website that lists legal babysitting ages by state, which you can check to see what your state says is an appropriate age. I’d double check with your local government (usually you can find it on an online search or a phone call to Department of Human Services) to see if they say something different.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/legal-babysitting-age-by-state
In my opinion if they know what to do if an emergency was to happen then go for it. Maybe not so much the 6 year old because if law enforcement was to show up that may be a hard situation for you to explain to them. I have a mature 9 year old as well. We leave him home sometimes for quick walks around the neighborhood. He loves it and it makes him feel good.
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I had a friend that left her 12 year old with his 8 & 4 tear old siblings… all was ok , she went to pick her hubby up from work, only 5 mins away … came home to a fire engine and very distressed children, that the neighbours had rescued! Shed done it loads of times too !!!
The other side to this…if she’d had a bad car accident on the way to see fetch her hubby .
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Wow in New Zealand you can’t leave a child under the age of 14 to look after younger children. Its actually not always how mature they are its how would they cope in an emergency.
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Honestly it depends on their maturity level. I have a 13, 11 and 6 year old. My 13 year old watches my 11 and 6 year old for a hour or two once a month to make $$. However, he’s very mature and has his own lawn care business too 
. Where I am minimum age is 8 but the Elementary school buses still won’t drop kids off unless someone is home 
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I’m not a mother but I follow this page because I’m studying Elementary Education and I just love kids and all that lol. But I just wanna say my mom started leaving me home alone when I was 11, and she would make sure I had something to eat for the evening when she went to work
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I left my oldest home with his brothers for quick milk runs when he was around 11. I always let the neighbor know so someone was keeping an eye on the house. It really depends on the kid though. If you feel comfortable and they feel comfortable then I think its fine.
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The boys were home alone when at 8 & 10. 25 yrs later when my daughter came along I lived 5 houses from the grade school. She was home alone after school at age 9.
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Doesnt matter how “quick” you could be going without the kids imagine how “quick” something bad could happen (just my opinion)
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It’s best to Google and check with your state Dept of Children and Families to be sure. Each state is different. Should something happen while you’re gone you could be charged with neglect if they under the state approved age.
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My son was 12 and he was home alone for about half hour cause he got off the school bus before I got home from work
I also told him lock the doors and don’t let anyone in this was in the 80s
This day and age 16 or older lol
I would test it. If you can watch your cameras from your phone, leave them alone. Drive up the road and sit and watch. See how the others react to the 11 year old. If they do not listen, come back home, address the issues and try again maybe the next day. It may take a couple tries to get them to understand the 11 year old is in charge, or it may not. Better to be close to diffuse a situation than in the middle of aisle 3 when all hell breaks loose. Do not go back at first conflict, see how they work it out. OR you could lock yourself in the bedroom with the 11 year old in charge and see how it goes.
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Yea it would depend on the maturity of the kids, for sure. But check your local laws. I live in Pennsylvania and I believe its illegal to leave a child at home alone until the age of 12.
With that said, I have a 16 yr old that can watch both his 11 and 9 year old brothers legally, but I trust the 9 yr old the most LOL 
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For me…the 11 and 9 year old no problem but I would be nervous about the 6 yo. That’s just me and my comfort zone though. You know your kids. I would say what are you comfortable with?
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Latchkey kid of a single parent. My mom worked pt so after school I was alone from 4pm-10:30pm. Depends of maturity not so much age.
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You may want to check your states requirements. Some states have an age where it’s legal and for how long.
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Honestly at those ages and if its under an hour i would say do it. We let our 8yr old stay home alone sometimes, we have an alarm system and he has a phone so if he needs us he can call.
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My mom used to tell me to lock the doors and don’t open it for nobody at like 8yrs old. Then again that was the 90’s and we basically raised ourselves. I think it depends on the child to be honest. The parent would know best
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I leave my 12 year old alone regularly. Hes mature for his age. He loves the independence too. I have left him on occasion with his 6 year old brother if I’ve needed to go to the shops or wherever. Hes been off school for the last 2 weeks so I’ve also left him for 10 minutes each morning with his 4 year old sister while I take their brother to school. If you feel they are mature enough & you trust them then I dont see why you couldnt just nip out for a little bit. I always have my eldest lock the front door behind me & then I ring his mobile to let me in. He knows to never answer the door.
I live in New Mexico the legal age is 10 years old to leave them by themselves and 12 years old to leave them alone with a sibling but they also tell you to use your judgement on their level of maturity and my son is 12 and I will not leave him home by himself for 2 reasons 1 I don’t think he’s mature enough yet and 2 there’s a lot of crime in the city I live in and don’t trust him home by himself in case something happens.
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Probably best to confer with your Social Services agency… they have allowed ages. Be unfortunate to have a run-in with Child Protection because you left your kid alone too young.
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I’d say it depends on your comfort level. Do they know what to do in case of an emergency. Do they now how to contact you at anytime if need be. Don’t need to ask if you trust them since you did mention they are mature.
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You’d need to check your local laws. In a lot of states 12 can stay home alone but can not can watch other children and even just a quick run could turn into a big issue if someone decided to report you. But only you know your kids and know if they are responsible enough.
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Red Cross offers a babysitting/1st Aid course for kids age 11+, it’s $40-50. If you’d feel more comfortable with your oldest having taken it first 
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My son is very mature at 10 too. And I have to leave to work because I can’t afford a babysitter but I’m also able to take his calls (or if I needed to leave to come home and get him because it’s 10 minutes from where we live. But he also knows rules and he needs to have his phone on him at all times
It’s all about if you think they’re ready. I started leaving my oldest home alone when he was about 9 because he would throw such a fit about going, but only when I had to do a quick run. Never for more than a half hour and he could only stay alone. My daughter always begged to stay with him but that would of ended in world war 3 lol and she’s only 13 months younger. I didn’t start letting her stay till she was about 11 and they had to stay away from each other lol. And they know the rules, nobody in and nobody out. Doors stay locked.
15 illegal otherwise and I wouldn’t leave my kids alone these days 
x
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I started leaving mine at 12 & 9 always made sure they had a phone and not for more than 90min to start the older they got the longer I felt safe leaving them.
The 11 and 9 year old are good to stay home for a quick 30 min trip to the store,but I would still take the 6 year old with me. Just my opinion.
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I don’t see a problem with it for a few minutes…as long as they understand things like, no stove, no microwave, don’t open the door for anyone…basic safety measures
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eleven is too young to be responsible for 2 other children
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I’ve always went on maturity level over age as well. I started when my son was 8 leaving for short trips. He is now 10 and has done well with it all. And also check your state laws.
I leave my 12 year old boy and 10 year old girl home to run errands some times but he has a phone and we have cameras inside the home and alarm we set on the doors
I have a 11, 13 & almost 16 yr old… I’ve never left them home alone wherever I go, they go.
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I started leaving my oldest home alone at 7 but quick trips to get milk. Now he’s 16 and mature enough to watch his 4 yo brother. Only for an hour or so, no longer than 2 hrs.
Depends on your kids noone knows them better than you! Personally the youngest i will leave my kids home alone is 13 
At least 12. Because I think there’s a law with it. But thats only if I know their able to handle any issue that comes about.
If the kids get along and won’t hurt each other then I would say yes
Depends on the kid! 12 worked except one that was probably 15 before I left them…
It depends on the maturity of the child mine was ok at 10 fir small time periods
Honestly, it isn’t about what is comfortable, but what the state laws are. In Colorado, older siblings can’t be left to watch younger siblings at a certain age. So basically just see what the stateaw is.
Each state is different in regards to if there is a set age. I know in Texas, there is no set age. As long as the child is able to care for themselves and you feel that they will not hurt themselves or others by like starting a fire or using the oven unsupervised. My daughter is almost 12 and I left her home alone for the first time at the beginning of the year. She had a cell phone for emergencies and had a neighbor who knew I would be gone. If a child is 8 and able to take care of their basic needs, it is not neglectful supervision here. Someone in our old apartments called CPS on me when my daughter was 8 and riding her bike outside during the summer. I showed CPS that she had means of contacting me, how I would go check on her and she had check in times and they closed the investigation. So, definitely check with your state, but as long as the oldest can care for anyone else, a 30 minute trip should not be an issue. I am about to have a 2nd and I know personally by 11 I was was babysitting young children who ranged from 6 months to 5 years of age.
Only you can answer that question. You know if they can handle it.
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It’s really a personal decision. If you think they will be ok, then go ahead
Can you leave them with neighbours on watch etc. Especially with 6 year old i would be asking neighbour to watch youngest will you run quick errands
Maybe when they start middle school???
Houses burn in 10 minutes…no do not leave them that young.
Let a neighbor know just in case you could be delayed for a variety of reasons
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10 but Jo longer than an hour
13 is legal age to babysit ur siblings
A 6 year old? Really?? The older one okay. But not the 6 year old.
You know your kids better than anyone. If you believe they will be then I expect they will be.
They will love the responsibility 
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Hi honey the legal age is you must have one person 14 or over they are strict on it. xoxo
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I started watching my brother at 9 for short periods for my.mom to run my dad to work, usually about 30-40 min, but I was very mature and followed all safety rules without question.
As long as they have a phone I would say totally ok
If you live in South Africa never🙅‍♀️
My kids a mature 10 year old and i leave him home for no more than an hr
i would say check on the laws.
Depends on your state laws really
As long as you think the child is mature enough. Which that’s up to you as a parent. I mean I started watching kids and babysitting at only 9 years old. And to be honest my ex next door neighbor now because she moved back to the beach anyways her grandson’s only 12 and she works 14 15 hours a day cleaning condos. which of course she has cameras and everything that’s linked to her cell phone and he has a phone and everything like that!! And when it comes to me I started babysitting at 9 years old with my friend by the time I was at 12 year old I was babysitting kids at night time making sure they were fed homework done they had a bath before their parents got home. by the time I was a teenager I was babysitting on the beach with a friend also helping my teenage friends with their kids. So by the time I had my own kids I was pretty good because I have been around kids and toddlers like I said since I was 9! honestly it doesn’t matter anybody’s opinion on Facebook because all that matters is your own. You are the parent and you know your children and you know if they are capable of staying home alone like that! Also your state probably has a legal age limit to leave them home alone. I didn’t know Florida was legal age limit of 12 years old until I was a grown adult. I was like wait a minute I have been staying home babysitting kids since I was 9 years old lol. like I said nobody on Facebook can actually tell you what to do. only you can do that. Some kids can handle it some kids can’t.
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I personally would not.
In Illinois you have to be 12 to stay home alone and 14 babysit I believe. Grant it, i stayed home alone since I was in 5th grade/10 and obviously depends on the kids maturity and how long you will be gone for. I think junior high it cant be more than a couple hours…and after they are all 14 you can have an overnight trip.
I would think it’s ok, but every state has different laws. CO doesn’t have a specific age requirement. If you feel that your babies will be safe and ok then go for it, with caution.
Then again my generation had 8yr olds as babysitters so our parents could go out, so wth so I know?!?
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I can leave my 10 and 12 year olds home alone for a shortish period of time…like long enough to go to the grocery store. I can’t leave my 16 and 14 year olds home alone without them getting into trouble. I often leave the 2 younger ones in charge.
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Depends on the child. I leave my 11 year old but shes ready for it. Knows she’s being watched both by cameras and neighbors
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Yes I think it’s totally fine. Children can start babysitting for money at age 12, so if you trust your kids, go run that errand. Especially with the way the world is, there safer at home then going into stores.
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My daughter was a “latchkey kid” and would be home after school by herself around 10 yrs old until I got home from work. But the bus dropped them off right at our building door, she had her cell phone & immediately called me, and we had awesome neighbors. Never had an issue. It depends on the child’s maturity level, state laws, some other circumstances, etc.
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I’d say yes to the 11 year old to watch the 9 year old just because they can feed them selfs and get their own drinks and such but I’d say no to the 6 year old that still seems a little young to me.
I leave my (very mature) 12 year old with the 3 year old for less than 30-45 minutes sometimes. I’ll also leave them all together (12, 10, 7, and 3) for about an hour if I need to. I keep my phone in my hand the whole time I’m gone. They all handle it great.
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I leave my very mature 11 year old son at home for short periods of time but i know other 11 year olds that i wouldnt feel comfortable if i was their parent.
You know your child best really…
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It’s up to your comfort level make sure they know what to do in emergency have test call to 911 (contact non emergency number to set this up) otherwise I don’t see an issue. It’s better to teach them how to handle things than to baby them and then they’re 13 or older and can’t be left alone.
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I would say yes I do it. Especially most of the time my kids never want to go I even have kids the same ages.
I don’t feel there’s an age. It depends on your child’s maturity. Since you’re questioning it you’re not ready.
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I leave my almost 14 almost 12 and 9 year old with autism home for a couple hours. Two have cell phones and my mom and sister are a phone cal away and me too
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Girl go get yo milk. Them kids will be fine!! You raised em…
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I think the eldest has to be 14 now to be left alone with siblings, id leave my 11 year old on their own but not with siblings x
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My daughter was 10 when I started leaving her for short runs to the store.
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11 year old, sure. But not the other 2.
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I would take the 6 year old only with me and let the older two try out staying at home and see how it goes.
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I’d take the 6 year old with me.
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Ehhhhhhh well you see its quite different where I come from because at 11 they expect us to be extremely responsible and as for me I leave my 3 year old with his little one of 1 all by the selves and I find these boys very okay as long as I left everything in place my 3 year old boy knows when his lily needs milk and he feeds him well and sings for him if he wants to sleep and he sleeps in the couch that’s where I come from I can leave them for even an hour as long as they have TV and snacks
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It’s a different generation than when I grew up. I KNOW my kids won’t act up. I’m scarier than anything naughty they’d attempt. And the consequences aren’t worth it! Depends on maturity level
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My older daughters are 14 and 15 I leave them home on the odd occasion with their younger sisters who are 11,9 and 3. I leave my old phone and my number In case my kids need me but I’m never long when I pop out.my 14 year old is sensible for her age. She has her own phone to call me too. I always call my kids about 2-3 times to check there ok
It’s up to your comfort level, but also you have to check the laws in your state. I was comfortable w/ leaving my son around that age (he is 16, going on 17 now), but here in IL the minimum age you can leave a child on their own is 14… He was more than capable to be on his own for a short time, but I didn’t want to push the boundary of the state law. They recently voted to change it to 12, but I don’t think it’s approved yet.
I’ve left my (very mature) 8 yr old home alone for about 15-30 minutes (to run to the grocery store), while on the phone with him. He knows emergency numbers (my mom and 911) and knows what to do if there is a fire/emergency, and where to go (neighbors house). As long as they understand emergency procedures and numbers to call, they’re fine.
These days it depends. I was 11 whe my watched my 10 year old sister 6 year old stepbrother and 5 year old step sister up til I was 18 I took care of them and the house and helped with school work. I cant do that with my kids. To be fair my 12 year old is autistic. With my bf home but sleeping(3rd shifter) i will leave my 15 year old to keep am eye on them. We live in small town but hitting both stores can take me up to 30 minutes. It usually goes ok. Now if my autistic daughter is moody I take them all and just let them sit in vehicle to listen to music…again small town small stores and I make the trips inside quick on those days
I have 2 boys ages now 11& and 13 next week I’ve left them alone for a few hours by themselves worh no issues. They are very responsible. They will watch their almost 5 year old some nights I work 4-5 hours with constant communication, which is very rare. Honestly all depends on the level of responsibility and maturity. Each child is different.
Call your local police station and ask. I live in CA and was told 12yrs.
Check your state laws first… here it is 12 years old before you can legally leave your child home alone during the day.
6 is too young, pushing it at 9. IMO, of course
14 is the age periodt
Depends on the level of responsibility and maturity
I see nothing wrong with that situation. Definitely wouldn’t do it for like hours cuz siblings do love to piss others off a lot but I wouldn’t worry too much they have everything they need for emergency and protection. Only other thought would be to decide what neighbor they go to if something happens and they can’t get ahold of someone but not necessarily 911 worthy. Other than that sounds like you’re set