Can anyone help me with what the legal age is for a child to be left alone for a few hours.

Depends on local laws. Where are you located

States vary with this age for home alone, some are l2 years old but if you child's level of maturity is low at even l2, I would rethink what you might do.

Here is a website that you can access to give you guildelines:

Latchkey Kids Age Limits Listed By State

Tick

I guess it all depends on how responsible and mature they are. That, and what kind of area you live in. If you live in a high crime area, where you have to worry about someone breaking in every minute, or if you live way out in a rural setting where they can relax a little. Being left alone in a dangerous setting might be overwhelming for kids.

My oldest boy is 7, and he is already asking us to let him stay home by himself for a while.

I tell him no, not yet. Not for another few years.

Chances are nothing will happen when we leave our kids home alone, but what if...

They need to know how to respond to phone calls, door knocks, fires, sibling responsibilties, a lot of things need to be covered.

I say 11 or 12 is a good age for most kids. But like someone said, check your local laws.

Good luck, and GOD bless the little ones, and those who raise them.

God bless you, jm, you are such a lovely caring person.:)

Tick