What is the age that you think that a child can be left alone? If they were mature for their age?

Contributor: Mikemanz Mikemanz
depends on how long
11/02/2012
Contributor: Nyx (Under the Covers) Nyx (Under the Covers)
I think it depends on how long you are leaving them alone for. I started babysitting at age 9 (usually for a couple hours during the daytime so the parents I babysat for could buy groceries, run errands, etc.) and by the time I was 10 or 11 I was babysitting in the evening for parents and friends of the family. I was always very mature and independent, though (I was the youngest person in my CPR and First Aid certification class, which I insisted on taking), so you really have to take into account how prepared the child is for handling emergencies, etc.
11/04/2012
Contributor: XxFallenAngelxX XxFallenAngelxX
Quote:
Originally posted by Nyx (Under the Covers)
I think it depends on how long you are leaving them alone for. I started babysitting at age 9 (usually for a couple hours during the daytime so the parents I babysat for could buy groceries, run errands, etc.) and by the time I was 10 or 11 I was ... more
I agree. When I was younger, I was very mature for my age. Many parents would benefit from letting their children get these classes early on.
11/04/2012
Contributor: gsfanatic gsfanatic
Probably 12-14, it depends on the kid and the area. I was left alone around 12, but I was in a small neighborhood where we knew the neighbors and there was usually an adult home within a door or two that would help if needed
11/04/2012
Contributor: Moniqua Moniqua
It depends on the child but I would say somewhere between 12-14.
11/04/2012
Contributor: Intrepid Niddering Intrepid Niddering
I stopped going to the babysitter when I was eight. (We had a disagreement and I decided I didn't want to be there anymore.) My mom also worked about a mile down the road, so during the summer, I would often make us lunch and walk down to her work and bring it to her, we'd eat, then I'd walk back home. It was just perfectly normal to me.
11/04/2012