If you’re a parent with young children, you’ve likely pondered the question: at what age is it safe to leave your little ones home alone? Fortunately, there’s a helpful chart created by a mother behind the blog Thirty Handmade Days that breaks this down by age and state guidelines (if applicable). While it’s important to note that these are simply guidelines—not official recommendations—this chart can serve as a useful reference point. Ultimately, only you can determine the right time for your child to be left alone based on their maturity and your home’s safety.
Parenting often involves waiting for those significant milestones—whether it’s crawling, walking, or talking. Initially, these moments are exhilarating (like when your child says “Mama!”), but they can quickly become overwhelming (like when they won’t stop discussing their latest obsession). Eventually, you may forget that there was a time when they couldn’t do those things. Milestones help us mark the passage of time and recognize our children’s growth. Among these milestones, independence stands out as both a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience. As much as we want our children to grow, we can also be a bit hesitant about it.
According to Mique from Thirty Handmade Days, a 10-year-old should not be left alone for more than 1.5 hours during daylight and early evening hours. It’s generally not advisable to consider leaving a child home alone overnight until after age 13. This can be challenging for parents, as many states do not specify a minimum age for leaving children unsupervised.
As much as I dream of whisking my partner away for a romantic weekend, I can’t quite bring myself to leave my five-year-old in charge—at least not yet! For parents without nearby family or affordable childcare, this often means skipping the getaway or spending a significant amount for a short break. Since the birth of my first child, I’ve longed for the day when my kids are old enough to stay home alone, allowing me to reclaim some semblance of my pre-parenthood life. However, that day is still a ways off, meaning this handy chart isn’t prompting any packing just yet—but it does shine a light at the end of the tunnel.
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Summary
This guide offers insights into when parents can start leaving their kids home alone, emphasizing that age guidelines vary by state. Created by a parenting blogger, it serves as a helpful reference to determine when your children may be ready for this milestone. While every child’s maturity is different, the chart provides a structured way to assess readiness.