If you’re a parent, you might wonder when it’s safe to leave your child home without supervision.
We all know the famous scene from the movie “Home Alone” but at what age is it OK to leave your kids at home?
Research shows more than 40% of children are left home alone at some time. But what age is appropriate? And how should you plan for it?
Turns out, the laws aren’t clear-cut.
There’s no national age minimum for children to be left home alone, which leaves some parents confused. And most states do not set a legal age limit.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that 12 and older is an acceptable age for children to be left alone for a few hours at a time.
But experts say you should consider your child’s comfort level, maturity, and access to support before making the decision. And be sure to set firm guidelines.
Also keep weapons, alcohol and tobacco products securely locked away.
Have a plan for what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure your child knows your cell number and any other contact numbers. Post these in a visible location.
Emphasize that they should call 911 before you if it’s a life-threatening situation.
Have clear boundaries about who can or can’t visit and check in with your child regularly to make sure all is well.
Many states’ child protection laws classify “failing to provide adequate supervision of a child” as neglect. But most states don’t define what is considered adequate supervision.
In October, a mother from Ohio faced jail time after being accused of leaving her 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old twins home alone for nearly three days.