The appropriate age for kids to stay home alone varies depending on maturity, legal regulations, and individual circumstances:
- The National SAFEKIDS Campaign and many experts recommend children under 12 should not be left home alone, especially for extended periods
- Some U.S. states have legal minimum ages ranging from 6 years (Kansas) up to 14 years (Illinois), but most states do not set a strict age limit and assess readiness case-by-case
- Generally, children aged 7 and under should never be left alone for long; ages 8-10 may start with short periods (up to 1-2 hours during the day); 11-12 years can often manage a few hours alone if prepared for emergencies; 13-15 years can usually stay alone during the day but not overnight; 16 and older may be ready for overnight stays
- Readiness depends on the child's maturity, ability to handle emergencies, comfort level, and the safety of the environment
- Parents should build independence gradually, communicate clearly about safety rules, and ensure the child feels safe and confident before leaving them alone
In summary, while laws and guidelines vary, a common expert consensus is that children under 12 generally should not be left home alone for long, and readiness depends on maturity and circumstances rather than age alone
