at what age should a mature teen be left home alone for a weekend?

I'm a mom of 4 and another on the way (all are 6 and under). That's a hard question because it really all depends. I remember being left alone and I did all kinds of stupid things (although I never had a party lol). And I was a straight A student and never got into trouble in school and my friends weren't, by any measure, troublemakers. I think if the kid is 14 then you'll probably want someone to make routine stops throughout the weekend. It think my biggest fear (in the times we live) is about chatting with people on the internet and possibly inviting people over. Even 16 and up can be dangerous because they could be out all night on the weekends getting into all kinds of trouble... I don't know.

As a mom... I want to say NEVER lol.

Anyways... I think nothing below 14.... and under any circumstance... give them surprise calls the whole time and find someone you trust to stop by (scheduled and surprise visits). Bottom line.. even the most trustworthy teens still don't have the same ability to predict the consequences of their actions and need to be watched and protected.

It really depends on how mature they really are I think. Some kids may be ready around 14 or some not till after they are old enough to move out. You have to trust them too, I would look at their grades, how they act in school, they may go party at friends houses and get into trouble or may throw a party at home or something. I think you would have to look at how they behave when you are not there durring the day or when then they have friends over when you are not there. Some kids act very different when their friends are around, and if they will be alone all weekend I am sure they will want someone there to keep them company. I think it depends on exactly how mature they are.

I am 22 years old, and a mother of a five month old. But, I am answering from personal experience. When I was 15 (although a very mature 15) I was babysitting children over whole weekends. One particular weekend I kept three kids. I would say that 15 or 16 would be a very appropriate age, possibly even 14 depending on maturity and the level of trust between you and your child.

14

I am 28 years old now but I was left home alone for the first time when I was 15 or 16. I was considered mature and trustworthy but I had a friend who could talk me into anything. I had a coupld of parties there.

Looking back at how I was and how my friends influenced me, I wouldn't leave my kids home alone until they were 18. to many young girls getting pregnant now a days and to many drugs out there. I have a 3 year old son and a 2 year old daughter.

I don't want them to get into any bad situations. My brother got into drugs when he was in high school and my sister got pregnant and had an abortion in highschool. We were raised by a single mother who did her best. I am the baby out of everyone. My mom didn't know about the abortion until years later.

I don't want to take chances with my kids by leaving them home alone.

I'm 33, I have a 15 yr old, 4, 2 1/2 and 11 month old.

I say they should NEVER be left home alone for the weekend because no matter how mature or trustworthy your child has friends and those friends are probably not as trustworthy or mature. Plus once word gets out (and it does), even kids who aren't friend with your child will come by.

Sorry

I think 17 would be good. I have two kids 9 and 19 and just recently left the 19 year old home alone for a weekend. In this day and age alot can happen in a weekend!

im a mother of 3 younger children ages 10 , 8 and 7 and the question is that i would have is how mature is your child because children mature differently... can you trust your child? im 30 and i remember being left alone around age 12 or 13 and well i didnt burn the house down all children are different but you also must show them you trust them for them to mature more i let my 10 yr old stay home when i go to the store for an hour or so she hasnt proved me wrong yet but over night will be a different story it will be around 13

im 24 and mother of two my kids obviously are nowhere near being left alone i dont even shower unless they are asleep but maybe 17-18 depends on maturity a lot can happen in a couple hours let alone a weekend 15 is way to young they cant even drive what if there is an emergency they cant get anywhere i just dont know that is way to young

I have a 13 yr. old and she is by herself about 2hr. everyday after school . However I don't care how old she is I would have a nervous break down if I ever left her for the weekend at any age . If you feel comfortable doing it I think maybe a very mature and responsible 16 or 17 year old might be ok .