I have a friend who is terrified of leaving her children home alone, as she’s heard the law says they have to be at least 13 or she is breaking the law. I’m not talking about leaving them for a weekend while she goes to Vegas, I’m talking going to the grocery store for an hour.
My kids (10 and 12) have been staying home in graduating increments for the last two years. We now feel they are mature and responsible enough for us to go out to dinner and a movie without hiring a sitter.
What are these “home alone” laws my friend is so worried about and should I be? How do I find the laws for my state? (Washington)
In Illinois, the law was 12 when my son was little. I don’t know if it’s changed. But if your kids get hurt or in trouble, they’ll hit you with a neglect charge. All kids are different. I wouldn’t leave my kid alone because he had a nose for trouble. On the other hand, my sister leaves her daughter (10) home after school all the time. She’s responsible and a total goody-two-shoes. But it’s still a crap shoot.
I’d just call the police and ask them what the law is.
Here in Maryland, it’s legal to leave children as young as nine home for short periods of time (a quick run to the grocery store, etc.). Twelve is old enough to baby sit a younger sibling for short periods of time, and 13 and older, you can pretty much leave home for that Bermuda Cruise (not that I would, just saying what the law is). If you think you don’t want to call the police and ask, call social services. They would definitely know.
That takes care of whether or not you may leave your child home alone. Whether or not you should depends strictly on the child. Our 12-year-old, we leave home; also, we leave her babysitting our 4-year-old for periods of up to two hours. Our 16-year-old we wouldn’t leave home alone on a bet!
A state social worker once told me that it was up to the individual parent to make that decision, based on the maturity of their child and their ability to handle emergency situations.
Clear as mud?