Leaving your child home alone for the first time is a big step—for both of you. It’s normal to wonder if they’re ready. You might be asking yourself, what age can kids stay home alone? Or how old should they be before I can trust them to be safe? The truth is, there’s no magic number that works for every child. It’s less about age and more about maturity, responsibility, and how well they handle certain situations.

Still, let’s talk through what you need to know to make that decision confidently.

Factors To Consider Beyond Age

Many parents want a straight answer like, “12 years old is the right age.” But in reality, that answer can change depending on your child and your home environment. Legally, some countries or states do have minimum age requirements. If you're wondering about the legal age to stay home alone, it's good to check your local laws first. In many places, there’s no set age—but authorities often say somewhere between 10 to 14 is a reasonable range, depending on the child.

So, how old kids can stay home alone depends on more than just numbers. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you make the call:

• Is your child generally responsible? Do they finish homework without reminders? Follow rules? Listen when you’re not in the room?

• Do they know basic safety rules? Like not opening the door to strangers, what to do in an emergency, or how to use a phone to call for help?

• Can they stay calm under pressure? If something unexpected happened, like a power outage or a spill, would they panic—or try to figure it out?

• How long would they be alone? An hour or two after school is very different from a full day.

You know your child better than anyone. Some 10-year-olds are very independent, while some 13-year-olds might not be quite ready yet.

Preparing Your Child to Stay Home Alone

Once you feel your child is ready, don’t just head out the door and wish them luck. Set them up for success with some simple steps to help them feel safe and help you feel more at ease.

• Try a short trial run. Step out to run an errand for 15–30 minutes and let them stay home. Use that time to see how they manage and talk about how they felt afterward.

• Make it crystal clear what they can and can’t do. Can they use the stove or microwave? Is screen time okay? Should they answer phone calls or texts?

• Make a list of numbers—yours, a neighbor’s, a grandparent’s—and place it somewhere easy to find. Go over when and how to call each one.

• Play out different scenarios. What if someone rings the doorbell? What if there’s a storm? These conversations help your child think through problems calmly.

• If your child has a phone, agree to quick check-ins—like a text when they get home or a call every hour or so. Not to hover, but to stay connected.

• Leave a snack in the fridge. Set up their favorite show. Let them know they can text you any time. These little things help your child feel safe, not abandoned.