Safe In 60: At What Age Can You Leave Your Child Home Alone?

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah – Search the internet and you will find not even experts agree on when children are old enough to be left home alone. Most states, including Utah, do not have laws mandating a certain age. Here are some things to consider as you make a decision for your family.

We can likely all agree that children mature at different rates. While some kids as young as nine or 10 may be fine alone for short periods of time, other kids may not be ready for a few more years.

Only you are the expert on your child. But here are some ways to determine if your child is ready.

Does your child:

• Consistently demonstrate responsibility, like doing homework or chores without being asked?
• Make good decisions and follow rules?
• Handle emergency situations well?
• Use authority responsibly without abusing it?

And most importantly, does your child feel ready to be home alone without you?

You can practice with “what if” scenarios and questions that will help your child develop problem-solving skills, and help you gauge where they are in making good decisions under pressure.

If you think your child is ready, prepare your home so they will feel safe and confident while you’re gone. Have a list of emergency phone numbers, including trusted neighbors or relatives.

Consider an alarm or camera system so you can check in on them while you’re gone.

Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order, and that your child has access to a fire extinguisher and knows how to use it.

And always keep your cell phone on so your child can reach you.

Be sure to set ground rules with your child, such as whether they are allowed to leave the home, or have friends over while you are gone, and whether they should use the stove while you’re away.

Leaving your child alone, even for short periods, can show a level of trust from you and promote a sense of responsibility from them.