How old should a child be before left home alone?

My parents left me home for the first time when i was 13. ANd even then they had my brother in law call to make sure everything was ok. lol If its for a couple hours it may be ok at 10 or 11. I also was raised on a farm not in town. I would make sure they understand how to handle it if someone knocks on the door if I lived in town.

I agree with many of the others. I don't have children but being raised in a single parent household I was left alone quite often. I couldn't tell you the legal age because I have no idea but personally I think it depends on the maturity of the child. I was left alone around the age of 11 but I was an only child being raised by my mom alone. So I kind of had not choice but to grow up quicker then other kids my age. So I was more then ready to be left alone and take care of myself. Plus, I had a dog I grew up with so I think my mom always felt a little safer that I had someone in the house that would protect me if someone broke in. LOL

I agree with many others in saying that the age is between 11 and 13. I think that it is up to the parent to determine whether they are responsible enough to be home alone. As long as they know to be responsible, and can handle themselves at home. hope that helps a little bit.

Personally, between ages 10 and 12 is a good age for kids to learn to stay home alone without getting into trouble, however, a lot of it depends on that particular child's maturity level! If they're a living terror of a kid, I might wait longer!

By the law, is 13. But you as a mother know how responsible the kid is, how much you can rely on him. I was left home alone from 6.expected to heat my dinner, and wash dishes. Never did eat alone, though. My son , I don't really like to leave him alone, even though he's 20. My daughter,she's responsible and dependant from 4 years old. So, again, it's all about their personality, their feelings and how much you know they are responding to tasks. They can be mature from a very young age, or stay "small kids" even as grown ups.

My daughter is legally old enought to babysit other children and she is only 11. I am almost positive it varies state to state but here in the state of Kansas, I asked SRS this very question. I was told that there is no legal age but that the child had to be responsible enough to be left home alone. I was shocked by there answere but, honestly, my daughter is very responsible and by the age of 8 she had all emergency numbers memorized, knew what to do in case of an emergency, and I would have trusted leaving her home alone. My older son is now 13 and has Teretz. Didn't spell that right but not sure how to, and I still don't trust leaving him home alone. That is sad but different kids mature differently. He just finally put a card in his wallet to remember what his address is and my number. Without that, he would be lost. My daughter is a very unique girl and matured very young in life so you just have to decide on your own if your child is responsible enough. One suggestion would be to talk to a neighbor you know and trust and let them know that they will be home alone for 1 or 2 hours each day. Let your child know that if they need anything to go to that neighbors house. I did this with my children and it worked out for me.