Question

[kaminskibrandon]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

I am a single father and i am about to move into a new apartment complex. There is a gym across the street that is 24hours.

Is it ok to leave for an hour to work out after my boys are asleep?

I have a 10yo,5yo,3yo. It is a 5 min walk door to door or a 2 min car ride.

My oldest is a caregiver by nature. He knows all emergency contact #'s and he has a cell phone.

Obviously it would just be for an hour while they are sleeping in a locked apartment.

Would that be ok?

 

[snowshuze]

Uh.....NO. No. No. No.

For a ZILLION reasons.

 

[stealth2]

Really not a brilliant plan. Under an emergency situation, I might be able to rationalize it. To go work out? I can't. Work out on your lunch hour.

 

[divona2000]

...I have a 10yo,5yo,3yo. It is a 5 min walk door to door or a 2 min car ride.

My oldest is a caregiver by nature. He knows all emergency contact #'s and he has a cell phone...

Apartment fire just a few days ago in VA took between 45-50 firefighters over 2 hours to get it under control...

Fire crews respond to Chesterfield apartment fire - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |

Quotes
""I just got right out of bed. Started hollering at my mom and daughter. Opened up the door and saw all the smoke and flames," says resident Laurie Shelton."
"All you heard is the sirens and alarms going off. I opened up our door and all you see is smoke and flames probably about 2 feet from my face," says resident Kyle Colbert. He, along with his 3 year old son and girlfriend live on the third floor of apartment complex. All three made it out safely.

Think your children could deal with that on their own?

 

[CdwJava]

It would not be unlawful on its face. But, if something should happen, you could face criminal charges.

I might be okay with my ten year old staying home alone for an hour or so, but I would not be as comfortable with him watching younger siblings.

So, until or unless something happens to the children no law is broken if you go to the gym when they are asleep.

 

[Hot Topic]

That common sense doesn't give you the answer is worrying. How can a trip to the gym supercede the safety of your children?

 

[anearthw]

Several gyms offer low cost childcare and may actually be willing to 'deal' with you regarding a reduced rate (if money is an issue). In an actual emergency, such as a housefire, I would not put 100% faith into a 10 year old child to be rational enough to assist both small siblings to escape, let alone himself. It is also not unusual for children to fear calling emergency services or other help in case they 'get in trouble'.

Legally, there is no specific age to leave your child home alone in Virginia, it is based on various factors (maturity, etc). However, leaving the 10 year old home alone is not the same as expecting the 10 year old to supervise two younger siblings. I suspect it would be considered inadequate supervision.