If you haven't yet seen the 1990s holiday classic Home Alone, it's highly recommended. The movie stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left home alone when his family goes on vacation to Paris. While Kevin spends his time outsmarting burglars and indulging in hot fudge sundaes, he also learns to care for himself and the house.
Of course, your child won’t be facing burglars or a mountain of fudge. However, leaving your child at home, even for a short period, can be a tough decision for parents. Surprisingly, many states do not have a specific minimum age for leaving a child home alone, so it often comes down to the parent's judgment. So, how can you determine if your child is ready to stay home alone?
Know the laws in your state
The first step is to check with your state’s department of child safety or department of human services. Some states, like Arizona and California, do not have a legal minimum age, while others have specific requirements. For example, children must be at least 12 years old to stay home alone in Colorado, 8 in Maryland, 14 in Illinois, and 10 in Oregon. Familiarizing yourself with the law will give you a solid starting point.
Is your child emotionally ready?
Every child develops at a different pace, so emotional readiness plays a key role in this decision. As Bahar Altaha, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Banner Behavioral Health, explained, “Because every child is developmentally different, it’s important to assess if they can emotionally handle being home alone and know how to respond to an emergency.” For some children, staying home alone at 10 may feel like no big deal, but it could be frightening for others at the same age.
Dr. Altaha suggested that children younger than 8 should not be left home alone. Children between 8 and 10 years old should not be left alone for more than 90 minutes, while children ages 11 to 13 can generally handle being left alone for up to three hours — but not late at night.
Is your child physically ready?
In addition to emotional readiness, your child needs to be capable of managing basic responsibilities and responding to emergencies. “Before you consider leaving your child home, make sure they are capable of taking care of themselves and know what to do in an emergency,” Dr. Altaha said.
Here are some signs that your child may be ready to stay home alone:
- Makes responsible decisions
- Shows awareness of others and their surroundings
- Knows important phone numbers, such as those of parents/guardians and emergency services (911)
- Can make simple snacks or prepare basic meals
- Knows basic first aid
- Understands fire safety and emergency protocols
Devise a plan
Leaving your child home alone may bring you a sense of freedom, but it’s essential to have a plan in place. Your child should understand what to do if someone knocks at the door or calls on the phone. Additionally, ensure they know how to react in case of an emergency.
Conduct a test run
Dr. Altaha suggested taking a gradual approach to leaving your child home alone. Start with shorter periods — 30 minutes to an hour — and slowly build up to longer durations. This will give both you and your child a chance to adjust and address any potential issues.
Get certified
If your child is around 11 years old, enrolling them in a babysitting class is a great way to build their confidence and help them learn valuable life skills, such as CPR and first aid. Earning these certifications will also prepare them to handle emergencies and provide you with peace of mind.
Consider your child’s anxiety
This is an exciting milestone for both you and your child, as it fosters independence and provides you with more personal freedom. However, if your child shows signs of anxiety about staying home alone, take things slow. If their distress persists for months or begins to interfere with their development, it may be time to consult a Banner Health expert. They can provide guidance on helping your child manage their feelings and ensure their safety and well-being.
Recommended reading
- What Parents Should Know About Signs of Anxiety in Kids
- 9 Signs Your Child Might Be Starved for Your Attention
- Coffee, Soda and Energy Drinks: Is Caffeine Bad for Kids?
