As a single mom, I sometimes find myself counting down the minutes until I can safely leave my daughter home alone. The idea of running to the corner store without a kid in tow sounds like a vacation. Right now, my child is only three years old, so I barely feel comfortable checking the mail without her safely affixed to my hip.
But just when is a child old enough to stay home alone? The answer will certainly depend upon a child’s own developmental level, behavior and maturity. Few states have specific laws dictating the age at which parents can leave their kids unattended. Care guidelines vary depending on their source, but here are some of the most common parameters given by professional childcare organizations.
1. No child should be left alone before age eight. A child under eight years old should never, under any circumstances, be left home alone without supervision. While most children above preschool age can stay safe for a moment while you check your mail or take out your trash, you should never be out of your home for more than a moment or two if you have a child under the age of eight.
2. Kids 8-10 years old can be alone for a short period of time. If you’ve got to make a quick run to the corner store or a neighbor’s house, your eight- to ten-year-old will probably be safe if he is developmentally mature enough to handle it. However, you shouldnt’ leave a child in this age group home for more than a half-hour except in a rare or emergency situation.
3. Preteens can stay home for longer periods. As a general rule, a child who is 11 to 13 years old will have the mental and emotional maturity to stay home alone for a few hours. Kids in this age group may, in some cases, be ready to stay home alone during a parents’ work-shift during the summer, provided there are trusted adults who could help if an emergency arose.
4. Young teens can begin taking on extra responsibilities. A teenager 13-15 years old can generally babysit for younger children for a few hours at a time. By this age, most teens can also spend several hours home alone without any problems. Parents can generally expect a child this age to be safe during the parents’ work shifts or to supervise younger kids during a parents’ night out. Of course, a teen’s preparedness will depend upon his own maturity level.
5. Older teens can have adult-like responsibilities. By the time a child has reached the age of 16, parents can generally assume that the teenager can take on adult-like responsibilities. This may include frequent, prolonged babysitting, or an entire day of unsupervised time alone. Some teens in this age group may also be prepared to stay home alone overnight, but only if the parents fully trust that the child can bear the weight or responsibility.
6. Ask another adult. It’s often difficult for parents to accurately assess the maturity levels of their own children. If you aren’t sure of your child’s ability to stay home alone at a certain age, ask other adults who know him well– family friends, teachers, former babysitters, and neighbors. If other adults perceive your child as mature and responsible, this can help to shape your own expectations of your child. However, if you have any doubts, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and let your kid stay with a trusted adult.
The University of Michigan Health System and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offer more information about the age at which children can safely stay home alone.