Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
Leagal age to leave child home to babysit?
What is the legal age to remove a child from school for a day or several days to babysit a child under the age of five?
Asked on 1/20/01, 6:35 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren
Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.
Re: Leagal age to leave child home to babysit?
There is no law of which I am aware which provides the answer. However, in order to care for a younger sibling the tending child needs to be of a sufficient age and responsibility - probably at least 12 or older.
Note you cannot regularly keep a school age child out of school to tend children - that is not allowed, and you can be held responsible. It is ok for once in a great while, but if it occurs frequently you will probably hear from the school district, DFS or some other social service agency.
Answered on 2/14/01, 11:51 am