12 year old alone in the evening?

Question

I live in MD. You can be home alone at age 8 during the day, which I think is crazy. There are no laws about nighttime for older kids. My son is 12 1/2. At age 12 1/4 he was alone from 6pm to 8:45pm once (it was dark by 6). My car was having trouble so I was an 1 1/2 hours later, but I called him ever 1/2 hour.  Another time at age 12 he was alone from 7pm to 9:45 pm (it was light til 8pm) when I went to dinner, and I called him 3 times!  But thats it for evening. On a school night I would like to go to dinner and a concert.  I would be gone from 6pm to 11:30pm.  And 45 minutes from home. I trust my son not to get into anything and he says he will just watch tv and go to bed.  Do you think I should leave him alone, even if I call 10 times? I don't think he will fall asleep while I'm out.  My neighborhood is safe. Im just worried that he will end up being scared at some point.

Jess · Accepted Answer

I have no idea what MD is lol, but yeah, I think being home alone for a few hours at age 12 is fine. My sister is 12 and by that age they're pretty sensible. Unlike younger kids, they know right from wrong and wouldn't do anything to deliberately compromise their safety (i.e play with matches or the oven). He'll probably just watch TV and eat food or something.

If you ring him to check he's okay, it will probably be fine. If he's feeling scared, you could always ask a friend or next door neighbor to pop in at some point during the night? To let him know he's not alone, or just so he can go fetch them during an emergency. It's nice to know there is never someone too far away who can help.

? · Answer

I think leaving him home alone is not very bright. Take him to dinner with you and Mr. Right. If Mr. Right wants to have a dinner date and movie with you, remind him you have a twelve year old son. If you continue to leave him alone no good can come from this. He should be your first concern at all times. As he gets older there are lots of things he could be addicted to. He could have others come over while you are gone. He could have the feeling that "no one cares" for him. Now is the time for you to help him through these troubled years. Don't give him the opportunity to drink, drug, sex, or get in a gang because no one really cared what he does. If you lose him now he will give you many heart aches before he is twenty one. God can make a way when there seems to be no way. Carry him to church and get him involved. God will help both of you. God has a plan. You just need to talk with HIM

Amina styles · Answer

Im 13 and I stayed home alone when I was 12 I even had to take care of my younger siblings. It actually just depends on his maturity level. Some 12 ear olds are really mature others still play with toys.

? · Answer

I would stay home alone at 8 for 6 hours and I was fine. Kids aren't as incapable as everyone thinks they are. 12 is fine, just check up on them.

? · Answer

My parents started letting me stay home alone when I was 11 and nothing bad ever happened. I was home along until about five minutes ago until my parents/sister got back (I'm 15 now).

? · Answer

If its at home its fine.  As long as he knows how to call you and is smart enough not to let strangers in and stuff

? · Answer

Its maryland ^^^ btw i think you should leave him as long as you trust him and call often. my mother left me alone all the time when i was his age

Anonymous · Answer

Jesus, he's 12 years old. He will be a teen next year, and he will probably start having sex in 2 years and drive in 4 years.

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12 year old alone in the evening?

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