What is the age you can leave your children at home alone?

Answer 1

This really depends on the child, their maturity and their capabilities. Most places don't have laws, just guidelines informing the parent that it is their responsibility to keep their child safe. Be sure you are making the best possible choices for your individual child. ~NO CHILD SHOULD BE LEFT ALONE FOR MORE THAN A FEW HOURS~ Often the minimum age of 10 is recommended, but some children, even teens are unable to stay out of trouble while at home alone. So please ensure that,they are not mischievous enough to get in trouble, your child is comfortable at home (prepare them for ANYTHING that could possible/impossibly happen),YOU are comfortable with them at home, they have an adult nearby that they can go to for help, they can contact you at any minute while they are on their own (don't make it known to 'just anyone' that your child is home alone), that they can follow instructions you leave for them safely. Most of all, make them aware of the challenges and risks of being on their own, it is a serious step towards growing up, and shouldn't be taken lightly. If siblings are left alone together, be sure they know first aid. Home Alone and Babysitting courses are offered in many places. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND such training. -If they can't call 911 don't leave them alone!!!

Answer 2

Only two states have legislated a specific age to leave a child home alone, Illinois and Maryland. Generally speaking, the child must be safe, must feel safe, and know how to take care of themselves in an emergency. Most places believe that 12 or 13 is okay to leave home alone for a couple of hours during daylight hours. There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages specified in their laws.

12 years of age appears to be the most common recommendation. Below in Related Links is an article entitled Home Alone Children Legal Age Limits which provides one guideline from a California agency representative who suggests that 8 year olds and over can be left at home for up to several hours (usually after school before a parent gets home from work). This site also provides a state by state comparison with references.

Answer 3

There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages mentioned in their laws.

12 years of age appears to be the most common recommendation. Below in Related Links is an article entitled Home Alone Children Legal Age Limits state by state comparison with references.

One guideline from a California child welfare representative suggests that 8 year olds and over can be left at home for a brief amount of time(such as just after school). The most common statement is that a child's maturity should be the determining factor and not just age.

Answer 4

It is illegal to leave a child home alone that is under the age of about 12 years of age. I would say around 12+ would be an appropriate age.

Answer 5

12 that is the age you should let your child stay home alone

Answer 6

12