This Chart Tells You Exactly When Your Kids Can Be Left Home Alone
The thought of leaving a child home alone can unnerve any parent. As mature as your son or daughter might be, a lot could go wrong. But does that mean you shouldn't leave your children home alone until they're teenagers? Blogger Mique from Thirty Handmade Days thinks otherwise, offering a handy chart with guidelines on when to let your child stay home solo.
She emphasizes that every state has different laws on this topic, but hopes that her compiled guidelines can help start a dialogue and provide parents important information. After considering the safety of your neighborhood, how comfortable your child feels alone, and how well-behaved your child is, she suggests that kids can be left alone starting at 8 years old. Up until they're 10 years old, they "should not be left alone for more than 1? hours and only during daylight and early evening hours," she suggests. That time doubles once the child is 11, and by 13, she says kids can be left alone for even longer than that, but not overnight. Once the child hits 16, they can be left alone for up to two nights in a row.
Mique's printable chart also breaks down laws by state. Illinois, for instance, doesn't allow children to be left home alone until they're 14. While she hopes her chart is helpful, she encourages parents to also contact their local authorities for more town-specific age restrictions.
Visit Thirty Handmade Days to see more helpful info behind Mique's guidelines, including what to go over with your child before you leave her unattended and other important things to consider.
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