As a parent, you should consider your child`s abilities and maturity before deciding if they can be left home alone. It is also important that you do not immediately leave them alone for long periods of time. Gradually, this would help them get used to being left alone at home. In some cases, it is appropriate for young children to stay home alone. These reasons are not only valid, but also necessary most of the time. Sometimes it can also mean the difference between the child`s long-term safety. Every child is different. Before parents can leave them home alone, they must prepare their children for certain circumstances that may arise. This action requires children to be coached by asking specific questions and teaching them specific information, such as: Once you`ve determined that your child is behaviorally mature enough to be left alone, it`s time to make sure they have the appropriate skills to function on their own. For children with allergies, remove anything that could trigger a reaction from home.
If you leave children alone, even with a friend, under the age of 16 and something happens, you could be held responsible for both children, not just yours. Leaving your child alone in the car can also lead to prosecution. In addition to the suggestions listed above, it`s always a good idea to let your immediate neighbors know that some days your child may be home alone. Not only can a neighbor be a good resource in an emergency, but they can also help mitigate potential calls to parental control services from ignorant neighbors. If they don`t feel ready or you`re not sure it`s the best, don`t leave them alone at home. Often, it`s a good idea to leave your child for a short time and develop them longer as you get older. PRO TIP for Leaving Siblings Together at Home: Don`t blame one for the other – this is a recipe for sibling competition and resentment. Instead, give each child a specific task – one is responsible for lunch, the other for tidying up, the other for choosing the movie, etc. This way, they work as a team for the success of the afternoon while mom is away. One concept that all states agree with is that children should be a certain age before they are left home alone.
The age of the child depends only on the respective region and its norms. This is true not only if you leave them alone at home, but also if you leave them alone in your car while you walk to the shops. This is the first question parents want to know – at what age is it LEGAL to leave my children at home? While it`s important to understand what the law says, the truth is that many states don`t have a legal limit. If your child can be left home alone, give them the key to the house. Keep it safe, but hidden, such as in a zippered compartment on your child`s backpack. A phone number and the numbers of two reachable neighbors must be displayed. Your neighbor should also know when your child comes home from school. So, while we should definitely consider the state`s legal guidelines, you should consider the 4 questions on this list to make your final decision. If you don`t trust your child yourself, they shouldn`t be left alone with a friend. Three states require children to be of a certain minimum age to be left alone for a certain period of time: Illinois (14), Oregon (10) and Maryland (8). But in most states, there is no law setting a minimum age — instead, many offer a list of recommended age groups and suggested guidelines to help you make an informed decision based on behavioral and environmental factors. So if you live outside of Illinois, Maryland, and Oregon, it`s up to you (and your child) to determine when to start letting them stay home without you or a babysitter.
If you and your child are willing to be left alone, it makes sense to set some rules and make the house child-proof. Finally, if it is necessary to leave children alone at home – at least if older children are involved – you can follow these recommendations: Do not leave them with a friend who is home alone for the first time, as this may encourage dangerous or bad behavior, although this may seem helpful. The table below shows the minimum age at which children can be left home alone, classified by state, in the United States. Please note that city and county ordinances may have more definitive and restrictive laws in each state. Call your state`s DHS or local child protection agency to learn more about age guidelines in your area. For most children, they are left home alone from about the age of 11 when they move on to secondary school. Although there is no age set in the law for children to be left alone, parents can still be prosecuted if they leave children alone. Think for a moment about your child`s general judgment.
Below are some general guidelines to follow when considering the age range where you can leave children alone at home: There is no legal limit or minimum age on how old a child can be before being left home alone.