Parents are often left struggling to know when it’s OK to leave a child on their own for a while.
Perhaps spooked by the 1990 classic film “Home Alone,” they worry whether their kid might fall victim to the South Bend 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 Indiana?
Indiana is among the states with no legislation determining the specific age for when a kid staying home alone is okay, with parents ultimately making the executive decision.
“A parent is ultimately responsible for supervision of their child until the child reaches the age of 18,” according to an FAQ posted by the State of Indiana. “Often parents leave their children unattended at an earlier age or allow children younger than age 18 to provide childcare for other children. Under the age of 18, the law gives parents discretion to make these decisions based on the perceived risk and weighing such factors as maturity of the child, physical environmental risks, etc.”
What about Michigan?
Like Indiana and 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 do Indiana and Michigan laws say about how old your kid can be left home alone?
Reporting by Patricia Mendoza, USA TODAY NETWORK / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
