Many parents aren’t sure when their children are old enough to be safely left alone at home.
Perhaps spooked by the 1990 classic film “Home Alone,” they worry whether their kid might fall victim to the Shovel Slayer. Fortunately, the McCallisters’ next-door neighbor was only rumored to be a fugitive killer and turned out to be a sweet and lonely old man.
Still, just how old is old enough to trust your child to not open the door to strangers, not get into dangerous hijinks and to call you in case of an emergency?
For the most part, it’s up to you, the parents. A recent study from Today.com took a look into the laws nationwide on leaving your kid at home alone and data found that most states don’t have an established, appropriate age for when it’s acceptable to leave a kid by themselves.
What about Michigan?
Like many other states, Michigan law does not answer this question with a number.
“There is no agreed-upon age when all children are able to stay home alone safely,” according to the State of Michigan. “Because children mature at different rates, you should not base your decision on age alone. You may want to evaluate your child’s maturity and how he or she has demonstrated responsible behavior in the past.”
Any expert advice?
Generally, kids 12 and above are deemed ‘pretty acceptable,’ family therapist Sheryl Ziegler suggested to Today.com, since tweens have experienced tasks that require independence like walking to the bus stop or a friend’s house.
Although this age is suggested, parents should also consider their child’s emotional maturity, comfort levels, physical health and the surrounding environment, as well as ensuring that their child can complete certain tasks without assistance.
It’s noteworthy to mention that child protective services can and will be involved if anyone reports the child left alone without a parent or guardian was neglected, abused or put at risk of harm.
Babysitting laws
Similarly, there is no exact, nationwide age for when a child is allowed to be a babysitter, although some states have guidelines of recommended minimum age. For instance, Maryland requires a person to be 13 to babysit, and Illinois, 14.
The qualification of being a babysitter typically depends on the individual’s knowledge, skillset and capabilities to care for another child, rather than being a specific age.
Cory Havens contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: What does Michigan law say about the age your kid can be home alone?
Reporting by Patricia Mendoza, USA TODAY NETWORK / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Patricia Mendoza, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
