I've been researching this myself. So far, I have been to both Arkansas state law sites and the DHS site and then went to CPS. CPS states that if children are left alone the caretaker would be the one charged if something happened. It then states in brackets the individual is considered a caretaker if they are age 10 and older. Arkansas law does not have a set age for babysitting but states there are other factors such as maturity, how to act in an emergency, where the parent is and for how long.
I left my 7 year old and 5 year old with my 11 year old yesterday for the first time for 45 minutes. I called every 15 minutes to check on them. I also told them all no eating/ drinking while I was gone. I will be sending my 11 year old to the Red Cross babysitting course this month so she will learn more CPR and first aid. I was nervous as she has stayed by herself for a little while before but not with her brother and sister. They did fine and had fun playing a game and watching tv. She is very mature and my two younger ones get along well with her. Of course with siblings we do have our occasional fight. I had left my kids with my mom while my husband and I went out every two weeks for dinner. My oldest was "in charge" and my mom was there for emergencies etc and would stay in another room and do her own thing etc. My mom told me that the kids actually get along better when we aren't there!
I am contemplating allowing her to get them off the bus when I start working and watching them for 1 hr after after school. I feel comfortable with that and also would feel comfortable with her getting them on the bus in the morning if I needed.
I babysat at 9 my 3 younger sisters ( 5 and twins that were 1) while my mom ran to the store for 15 mins etc and then gradually worked the time up as I got older. Times have changed though.
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The legal age is 14 for Illinois.
Children can stay home alone for a few hours with access to an adult at the age of 12. Children below the age of 12 cannot stay home alone for any length of time.?
12 it is 12
According to the Quebec immigration/citizens' website, the legal age is 12 years or older. A child under 12 cannot stay home alone.
See Related Links (Home Alone Children and Legal Age Limits) for listing of states with laws and guidelines.
Well, you have to be fourteen to be able to 'babysit' somebody under fourteen.
There is no legal age limit. There are only recommendations on the maturity of the child.
A child must be at least 12 years old to stay home alone in Delaware. At this age, they can also babysit other children and siblings.
In Steele County, Minnesota, there is no specific law that establishes a legal age for children to stay home alone. However, it is generally recommended that children under the age of 12 should not be left home alone for extended periods. Parents are encouraged to use their discretion based on the child's maturity and ability to handle emergencies. Always consider local guidelines and the child's readiness before making a decision.