I have 3 children, the youngest of whom is in middle school. We have been through this debate several times already. A lot of determining when a child can be left home alone depends on the child and their maturity level. In Fairfax County, Virginia, there are guidelines that have been developed by social work professionals with input from the community. These are not laws, but what the country considers, 'minimal acceptable standards for the supervision of children.'
I got a small card with these standards when my oldest was approximately 10. We posted it in the mudroom where it was visible to all of us. It helped us as a family to determine what made sense for us--after all, these kids don't come with instructions! I found that my kids generally wanted to be left alone before I was ready to leave them. We used this card to negotiate and determine acceptable instances to leave them home alone.
You may find that not all of these guidelines will work for your family...I know I am not ready to leave my teenagers home for a whole weekend, but remember that they are guidelines--not laws (not to mention that my kids don't want to be left alone since they are afraid their friends will find out and invite other kids over)!
I hope this helps your family as you try to figure out the right ages for leaving your child home alone.
7 Years and Under: Should not be left alone for any period of time. This includes leaving them unattended in cars, on playgrounds and in back yards.
8-10 Years: Should not be left alone for more than 1 1/2 hours and only during daylight and early evening hours.
11-12 Years: May be left alone for up to 3 hours, but not late at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility
13-15 Years: May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.
16-17 Years: May be left unsupervised for up to two consecutive overnight periods.
You can get more information about this at the Fairfax County Protective Services Hotline, 703-324-7400
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