Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Just wondering what the consensus is on this? I'm not talking for a few hours here and there, but like overnight stays, weekend getaways alone?
15? 16? younger?
Me and the wife had something we had to do that required an overnight stay and we left our 13 year old at home overnight (we were like 12 miles / 20 minutes away). We were there in the afternoon, and back my noon the next day, but it was an overnight. He's 14 now. I would say he is really no more responsible or mature now, a year later. But I am gauging the group to see if there is a general consensus on this.
Me and the wife have something we would like to do in a few months that would require 2 nights away, out of town, on a weekend. Would this be something you think a 14 year old could handle?
me and the wife have something we would like to do in a few months that would require 2 nights away, out of town, on a weekend. Would this be something you think a 14 year old could handle?
No.
I would set up something for him to stay with a friend's family, or have an adult relative stay in your house with him while you're gone.
Re-read what I wrote, specifically the bolded part:
Quote:
Me and the wife had something we had to do that required an overnight stay and we left our 13 year old at home overnight (we were like 12 miles / 20 minutes away). We were there in the afternoon, and back my noon the next day, but it was an overnight. He's 14 now. I would say he is really no more responsible or mature now, a year later. But I am gauging the group to see if there is a general consensus on this.
At that age my parents would send us off to other people's homes. It was about 16/17 that we would stay home if they went away for the weekend/week whatever.
It really depends on the child though, some are ready at a younger age (I would probably have been more fine home alone at 14 than 16 to be honest) and others aren't ready until older.
It does depend on the child, but regardless, 14 is too young (and 13? Crazy). We left our kids when they were in high school, but had an older teen spend the night with them. Peace of mind is as important for those leaving as for those staying home.
After everything you have expressed about this child on the other thread I do not think you should have left him alone overnight last year and I do not think you should do it for 2 night now.
Aside from this specific case, 13 and 14 is too young to stay home alone overnight in my opinion. BUT the maturity and overall character of the child is what really needs to be taken into consideration.
According to FindLaw, children 13-15 may be left alone, but not overnight. The maturity of the child and the particular environment must also always be taken into account. So no to your question.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
