At what age should children be left at home alone?
Children should be left alone at home when the parents are sure the child is mature enough to handle a crisis, in other words, a fire, a stranger at the door, fixing their own meals, etc.
While it is important for the child to learn responsibility and feel secure, it is also important to understand the danger of being alone. Parents should set ground rules and make sure their child knows the “what ifs” in staying by themselves, but without putting to much fear into their heads.
There may or may not be State Laws where you are that give a minimum age requirement for the answer to this question.Even if a parent does adhere to the required State Law Requirements if there is one for your state the parent needs to look at their mental and emotional maturity of their child. Are they responsible? Will they let other kids in the house? Will they start fires? Are they responsible for their own homework and chores? Your “Rules” for your child need to be clear. Emergency numbers need to be handy for them. Calling and checking in on them is suggested. Start with small blocks of time and see how they do. Set aside food or directions that do not involve using the oven or oven burners, perhaps items that can be microwaved, or sandwiches or order a pizza. Moderation is suggested and advised. If a parent is going to work for 8 hours and leaving a child alone perhaps a caretaker, grandparent or the like should be taking care of them.
