It is important to note that no two children are the same and parents must decide on a case-by-case basis what is best for their child. Therefore, in addition to the general guidelines listed above, a parent or caregiver should consider the following before leaving a child home alone: 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 mentoring children by asking them specific questions and teaching them specific information, such as: You are unlikely to be forced to return to a home where there is domestic violence and violence. If you leave your home and are in physical or moral danger, the police or the Department of Child Protection and Family Services may be involved. SOURCE: Database Systems Corp. * These states do not set a specific age at which a child can legally stay home alone, but do make recommendations.

In general, children must live with their parents or guardians until they can function independently in society. Therefore, they should always be under the supervision of their parents or guardians, especially at home. However, when is the ideal time to leave a child alone at home? Heads of state across the country have been debating this issue for years, and many still do not have a solid basis on which to base this decision. For now, here are the laws that aim to leave children alone at home across the country. 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. With regard to the age of the child, eight different areas are acceptable to each State. These areas are the ones that states have decided to have the most acceptable age. In this way, as the child grows, he can begin to adapt to the change and govern himself accordingly.

This age is used to determine what age is suitable for children to start babysitting. The ranges and number of states that adhere to this age are: Kids Help Phone: kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/thinking-about-leaving-homeor call 1800 55 1800 One concept that all states agree on is that children should be a certain age before staying home alone. The age of the child depends only on the respective region and its norms. 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. Below are some general guidelines to follow when considering the age range where you can leave children home alone: Many parents face the dilemma of how old children can stay home alone, especially after school or in the summer. Before you consider leaving your child unattended, make sure they are reasonably mature, able to take care of themselves, and fully prepared for emergencies. Set ground rules, review basic safety policies, and establish routines that will keep your child healthy and safe. Our iMom, printable with 10 rules of solitude at home, is a good place to start. We have great tools to get you started.

First of all, just because they meet the age requirement doesn`t mean they`re mature enough to stay home alone. Here are 5 ways to tell if your child is ready. If you decide yes, we`re ready to go, here are 6 ways to train your child to stay home alone and conversation starters to talk about your expectations and concerns. And chances are you`ll have a child who will play the role of babysitter, so check out our babysitting checklist, which can be printed to make sure all the important details are covered. The child`s degree of maturity is also taken into account when he is alone at home. The following aspects can be used to analyze a child`s degree of maturity: Only a few states indicate a legal age to leave a child home alone, including Maryland (8) and Illinois (14). However, most states have guidelines with the Department of Health and Human Services or other child welfare agencies that test a child`s ability to be left home alone. Factors may include the age and maturity of the child, the general safety of the environment or circumstances, and the precautions taken to ensure the child`s safety. These authorities are unlikely to intervene if you are over 15 years old, if you have a safe place to go, if nothing illegal is happening in the place you are moving to (prostitution, drug use, crime, sex with minors) and if you can support yourself financially. Parents generally have full parental responsibility for each of their children under the age of 18. However, the law provides that parental responsibility for you may decrease as you approach the age of 18 and become mature enough to make your own decisions.