Need to run a few errands and can’t find a babysitter? You might be wondering if your child is old enough to stay home alone.
It might be for a quick trip to the grocery store or because of an 8-hour workday, but all parents eventually ask themselves: “Can I leave my kid home alone?” For that matter, is it legal in Missouri?
Here’s what the law says in the Show Me State about leaving children home by themselves, and what parents might want to consider regarding their child’s welfare before shutting the door and stepping away for a few hours.
At what age can a child be left home alone in Missouri?
While some states have laws on leaving children unattended at home, Missouri doesn’t have any laws specifying a legal age for a child to be left alone.
It’s important to note, however, the Missouri Department of Social Services will conduct a face-to-face safety check on children 8 years old or younger if it receives a report through its child abuse and neglect hotline.
What do other states say about leaving children home alone?
Some states do have laws regarding when children can be left home alone, though the age requirement varies widely.
On the younger end of the spectrum, Kansas allows children 6 to 9 years old to be left home alone for short periods of time, and children 10 and over to be left alone for “somewhat longer periods.” Among other factors, the Kansas guidance adds that parents should weigh their kids’ level of maturity and behavior in the absence of adults before leaving children alone.
On the other end, Illinois law says any person who leaves a child under 14 years old “without supervision for an unreasonable period of time” is guilty of neglect.
Several states, such as Tennessee and Washington, do not have an official age requirement, but recommend that children are at least 10 years old before staying home alone.
Things to consider before leaving a child at home alone
When deciding whether a child is responsible enough to be left home alone, the state’s social services asks parents to consider several factors, including:
Are they confident/mature enough?
Can they handle boredom/loneliness?
Do they know how to safely make a snack or meal?
Do they know how to respond if someone calls/knocks on the door?
Do they follow the rules regularly?
How do they respond to stress?
Are they ready and capable of caring for siblings?
How to prepare a child for staying home alone
Here are some recommendations from the Missouri Department of Social Services for parents to follow prior to leaving their child home alone:
Discuss who can come over
Lock up guns, alcohol, potential poisons and medications
Make sure the child knows basic first aid
Make sure the child has access to emergency contacts
Make sure the child knows what to do if the power goes out
Role-play different scenarios to make sure the child is prepared
What is the legal age to babysit?
Most states — including Missouri — do not have a minimum legal age to babysit, according to The Best Babysitters, noting that babysitting age is “best determined by the babysitter’s maturity, skills and knowledge.”
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: What age can kids be left home alone in Missouri? Law, guidelines