What Age Can a Child Stay Home Alone? Experts Explain What Parents Need to Know

In some states, the decision is partly made for you by law, while in others it rests entirely with parents. Experts say that a child's maturity, comfort level, and ability to handle emergencies matter just as much as their age.

Watching your children gradually gain their independence, even at a young age, can make any parent proud. At the same time, handing them certain responsibilities can feel tricky and even nerve-racking, and leaving them home alone is no exception.

If you're wondering whether your child is ready to stay home solo, you're not alone. Most parents trust their instincts, but reviewing your state's guidelines is a smart place to start.

Depending on where you live, leaving your child without a sitter may actually be against the law. A few states currently have binding laws setting the minimum age at which a child can be left home alone.

In Illinois, the law states that a neglected minor includes "Any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor's welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety or welfare of that minor."

In Maryland, the minimum age is eight. Other states simply offer recommendations and leave the decision up to parents.

"I recommend consulting the guidelines for your state, which can be accessed by contacting the local Child Protective Services agency," said Amie Bettencourt, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins.

"At the end of the day, though, deciding if your child is ready to be left alone should be child-specific and based on a number of factors besides their age," Bettencourt added.

The National SAFEKIDS Campaign recommends that no child under the age of 12 be left at home alone, but not every parent sees it as that simple. Taking their child's maturity into account, many parents believe kids can be left alone for short stretches starting at age eight or nine.

"Of course it depends on the maturity of your child, but I think around the age of nine you can start asking this question – does your child have good judgment?" explained Michelle Nicholasen, a mother of five.

"Only do it if your child is comfortable with it. She will seem very anxious about the idea if she is not ready. A half hour is a good first trial," Nicholasen advised.

Dr. Bertie Bregman, chief of family medicine at NY Presbyterian Hospital and a father of four, encourages parents to weigh both the safety and emotional sides of the issue. "Children can get into dangerous situations when they're home by themselves, but they can also feel lonely and abandoned," he notes.

He continues, "Kids under the age of ten shouldn't be left alone at all. Children ages ten to twelve can stay by themselves for up to an hour, as long as there is ready back-up, such as a neighbor next door. Tweens can stay home for about two hours, but there should be someone checking in with them either by phone or in person, a friend popping in."

Clinical psychologist Angela Bowers says children aged ten and older are generally capable of staying alone for two hours or so, as long as they know how to handle an emergency. "Ask your child key questions on potential situations that might arise, and if you are pleased with their ability to handle them, then you have your answer," she explains.

"I would not recommend leaving a child home alone in the eve or at night, but start with short times during the day, and let them build up their confidence. If you trust your neighbor, let them know that your child is alone, and tell your child to call their neighbor if they need help with anything," Bowers suggests.

Even once your child is ready to fly solo, most experts agree that it's best not to overdo it. "Even a mature, responsible child shouldn't be home alone too much," says Chris Jamieson of the Council for Children and Families.

"Consider other options, such as programs offered by schools, community centers, youth organizations, or churches, to help keep your child busy and involved."