Parents of children needing to run a quick errand often dream of not fighting their kids over a short trip to the store, but how old do kids legally have to be to stay home alone?
While most states leave the decision up to the parents’ discretion, Illinois is one of the few states with an established legal guideline on this issue.
“Illinois law defines a neglected minor in part as “any minor under the age of 14 who is left unattended by a parent or other person responsible for the minor’s welfare for an unreasonable period of time, without regard to their mental or physical health. , safety, or welfare of that minor,” according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
States define an “unreasonable” amount of time with different variables, an Illinois DCFS spokesperson told TODAY.com.
“Does the caregiver leave them alone for two hours or five days? Who else does the child also need to care for, if anyone? » said the spokesperson. “Does the child have adequate food and shelter and is he or she in a safe environment?” Do they know how to contact medical personnel if necessary? Do they know what to do in an emergency?
Neighboring Indiana offers no specific age regarding the issue legally.
“A parent is ultimately responsible for the supervision of his or her child until the child reaches the age of 18,” states the Indiana state government. “Often, parents leave their children unsupervised early or allow children under 18 to care for other children. Before the age of 18, the law gives parents discretion to make these decisions based on perceived risk and weighing factors such as the child’s maturity, physical environmental risks, etc.
When is it okay to leave children home alone?
In general, 12 and up is “a pretty acceptable age,” family therapist Sheryl Ziegler tells TODAY.com, echoing the range recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to Ziegler, preteens typically experienced moments of independence, like walking to a friend’s house or to the bus stop.
Of course, this depends on your child. Parents need to think about comfort level, maturity, emotional and physical health, environment, access to support, and the presence of older or younger siblings.
If you want to take the plunge, educate yourself on your state’s law – and all its nuances – to avoid accidentally committing child neglect.
“Many states’ child welfare laws classify failure to provide adequate supervision of a child as child neglect,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “But in most cases, states do not define what “adequate supervision” is. »
Then, ask these questions before taking what Ziegler calls “a thoughtful, calculated risk.”
Is my child emotionally ready?
Even if you trust your child, he or she may not be prepared to take this step. See if they’re comfortable and interested in a daytime experience, which Ziegler says should be no more than 30 to 45 minutes.
“You might say, ‘Your brother is so busy with sports and I know you hate following him.’ You’re starting to show signs that I can trust you to stay home alone for a short time,” says Ziegler, author of “The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Mid-Length Puberty.” childhood (6 years). -12).”
She adds: “Some kids are excited and others are scared, in which case it’s not an issue you want to press. »
You need to be sure your child follows the rules and respects boundaries: even if you put him in front of a device, he can still snoop in people’s rooms, access adult content online or play with matches, says Ziegler, recommending that parents keep alcohol. , tobacco and weapons well locked.
Is my child a problem solver?
“Can your child do basic things on his own?” » asks Ziegler.
Before being left home alone, children need to be independent to some extent, able to prepare a meal, use the toilet independently, clean a cut and apply a bandage, Ziegler says.
Do children understand that they should not open the door to anyone, whether delivery people, lawyers or people they know? Do they know to stay inside the house and not leave? If your child can’t answer these questions correctly, teach them the rules.
Does my child receive assistance?
Your child must memorize your phone number, home address, and all building access codes, as well as how and when to call 911.
While you’re away from home, “check in with your child halfway, but don’t overdo it or they won’t feel confident,” says Ziegler. Or ask a neighbor to stop by, as long as your child knows who to expect.
Also charge any electronic devices so your child has a line to the outside world.
