what age do you think a responsible kid is ready to stay home alone by themselves?
536741
The law in my state says 13. But even then they need to prove there responsible enough.
35604
There shouldnt be a set age.  Many kids live at home until they graduate from college.  Some kids may live at home to help their parents, and in that case it is a good thing.  As long as they arent taking advantage of their parents but rather helping them the most they can then there should be no age limit.
662355
old enough to decide when your ready and when someone is FORCING you to do it. you should really let YOU judge that stuff!
116311
It depends on the state that you live in.  I have read that it varies from the age of 13-15.  But, if the courts are involved.. It's hard to say.  Because they are going to look at what's best for the child and if the child is capable of doing what's in his/ or her best interest.  :)
486937
Dont worry - you could be thirty and living by yourself and they will still treat you like you are 12. Thats something parents do :)\nDont worry - move out when you can and move on. Love and respect your parents but sooner or later, you need to take responsibility for your life
163360
So you're absolutely clear on this, there is no legal age in California to be leaving kids alone.  \n\nHowever, and as other posters have mentioned, there are a number of child abuse and neglect laws that can come into play here, and they can result in nearly anything from hefty fines to years in prison.  \n\nIf you know your kids, and trust them to be able to take care of themselves, it's your call.  Of course, it would be good if someone knew you and trusted you to make the right decision about your kids, but that's kind of also left to you.\n\nI have a 15 year old daughter who I would (and do) leave at home, sometimes all day.  I would not do it overnight, both because she doesn't want to, and because I would worry.  I would have left her home at 14...and sometimes at 13....but much younger than that, and I wouldn't have left her home for very long.  \n\nIt really depends on your kid(s), but there is no specific law that says how old a kid has to be.
204971
My youngest child is 11. She has severe separation anxiety. She has gradually gotten better, but is still not at the point in which she will spend the night with friends or anything like that. Her father and I divorced 3 years ago, and that caused a MAJOR set-back for her to the point where she will only spend the night with him occasionally. She just wants to be at home. This actually is a medical/mental condition with no easy resolution. All I can tell you is that it takes time and more time. Try to keep your child involved in peer activities because that always helps. The more you can get your child to be independent instead of dependent on you, the better he/she will be. Join play groups or things like that; that are age appropriate. It is not easy for a parent with a child like this, but I promise it will get better. We will survive, with God's help. Take care and good luck.
1033463
yes there isnt a age for being self,,,if there goin to do it aleast they can be safe right?
1097847
NY state statutes set no age under 18 when a child is legally considered old enough to stay home alone. Thus parents are left with many case-by-case judgments, and prosecutors with vast discretion if something goes wrong.  With that said, prepare your kids, trust your kids and decide based upon your judgement of their abilities and be prepared to defend your decision if "god forbid" an unfortunate situation  requires you to.
661584
I would think that would be fine. However, you should check your local and state laws. Some states have an age requirement, also some have an hourly limit as well. For example 3 hours is ok, but more than 4 becomes neglect. Some have neither. I know there are some states that require them to be 14 years old.\n\nI think with you being so close , that it doesn't really count as leaving them home alone.. but again, I am not certain.\nBest bet is to make sure so noone can get into trouble.\n\nGood Luck!
1155711
depends on the date, I would let my 14 or 15 year old go to a school dance and meet a person who asked them to the dance, but I would take them and I would pick them up\n\nI do agree to go alone on a car date they need to be 16 or older.
134447
Suprisingly, California does not has a specific minimum age for a child to be left unattended at home.  I know someone who regularly leaves an 8-year-old girl at home alone.  Child Protective Services was not concerned with this situation at all.\n\nI personally think the minimum age should be 13.
270958
Pyrate has the right attitude. The others who spoke about kids under 18 needing to constantly be in the care of a parent are wrong. I know lots of 13 year olds who babysit babies and toddlers.\n\nIn this situation, you are speaking of a 13 year old and a 16 year old....both old enough to stay home alone while you go on a date with your spouse, why would they then not be able to stay at home alone while you go to work? \n\nIt can be done. There will always be those who think anything other than the norm is "illegal." These are not experts, and many experts are wrong anyway.\n\nWhat state are you in? The amount and type of work/hours put into a school day vary from state to state and whether or not testing is required also varies from state to state.\n\nThis can be done legally.\n\nAnd TINATURNER was wrong. Even Public Schools are only in session about 6 hours...why then would homeschools be required to be in session for 8 hours? Stop talking about subjects you know nothing about!
229663
You would probably have to be at least 18, but thats not the only criteria.  You have to show a stable environment too, via income, housing, stability...etc.\n\nIf you don't meet this and to help, try a big brother, big sister program where you schedule visits with a child.
986935
Legally you can leave home at 18 since you are legally independent. I stress the legally, because unless you have a job or some other means of income, you are still totally dependent on your parents.
165689
i think it should stay the same because we can't rely on family until were 18. we need to drive at 16 so we can do stuff on our own.
193428
according 2 law, i think theyre allowed 2 stay by themselves @ 12 & when theyre 13, they can start babysitting