Leaving your child home alone for the first time is a big moment—for them, and for you.
It’s normal to feel proud, nervous, excited, and just a little unsure all at once.

You want to do it wisely. You want your child to be ready.
And you want to know you’re following the rules without second-guessing every decision.

This guide will show you the basics:

• Which states have laws about kids staying home alone
• What to know if your state doesn’t
• How to tell if your child is ready

States That Set a Minimum Legal Age for Staying Home Alone

Only a few states in the U.S. set a clear legal minimum age.
Here’s where the rules are spelled out:

A quick note:
Some websites list Mississippi and Connecticut with a minimum age of 12.
That’s based on guidelines, not actual law.

What About the Other 37 States?

Most states don’t have a set legal age for when a child can stay home alone.
Instead, parents are expected to use their judgment.

In places like Texas, Florida, California, and New York, there’s no official law.
But agencies often recommend that children under 12 are not left alone for long stretches.
Just because there’s no law doesn’t mean there’s no responsibility.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Even without a legal minimum, authorities can investigate if a child is left unsupervised and something happens.

Parents could face:

• A Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation
• Possible temporary removal of the child
• Charges of neglect or endangerment

That’s why it’s important to focus on more than just a number.
It’s about making sure your child is truly ready.

Is Your Child Ready to Stay Home Alone?

Every child grows into independence at their own pace.

Here are a few questions that can help you decide:

• Can they follow house rules without being reminded?
• Can they stay calm if something unexpected happens?
• Do they know who to call if they need help?
• Can they lock doors and manage basic routines without help?
• Are they comfortable being alone?

Even if your child is “old enough” legally, they might not be ready emotionally—and that’s perfectly okay.
Readiness is something you teach, practice, and build together.

Local Rules Can Be Different

Some cities and counties have their own rules that are stricter than the state’s.
It’s a good idea to double-check local guidelines or ask your child welfare office if you’re not sure.
A quick call today can prevent a lot of confusion later.

Final Takeaway: It’s Not Just About Age. It’s About Readiness.

Leaving your child home alone is a big step toward independence.
But age alone isn’t the best guide.

The real question is:

• Does my child have the skills?
• Do they have the judgment?
• Do they have the confidence?

If the answer is yes, you can send them off with a smile—and a little less worry.
If not yet, that’s okay. Readiness is something you can build together, step-by-step.

And if you’ve already started leaving your child home alone—even just for short stretches—you’re not alone.
Many parents do it while feeling that little pinch of guilt: Did I forget something? Should I have said more? What if they face something unexpected?

The Home Alone Confidence Course is built to take that pressure off your shoulders.
You’ll walk through key situations to cover, get conversation starters that make safety talks easier, and help your child start building the critical thinking skills they need to stay home alone safely—and confidently.

Can I leave my 10-year-old home alone in California?

And answers to other questions you might have.

Can I leave my 10-year-old home alone in California?
There’s no specific law in California, but many agencies recommend waiting until at least age 12.

What’s the legal minimum age to stay home alone in the U.S.?
There’s no federal law. Only a few states (like Illinois and Kansas) have set minimum ages.

What happens if something goes wrong while my child is home alone?
Child Protective Services could investigate if they believe the child was unsafe, even if you didn’t break a specific law.

How can I tell if my child is ready?
Look at their emotional readiness, their ability to handle emergencies, and whether they can stick to family rules on their own.

Ready to Help Your Child Feel Confident Staying Home Alone?

If you’re already leaving your child home alone—or starting to think about it—you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. And you don’t have to second-guess whether you’ve covered everything important.

The Home Alone Confidence Course is an on-demand program your child can go through at their own pace, paired with three weeks of support for you.

You’ll get simple conversation starters and guided activities that match what your child is learning—so you’re always a step ahead, without having to plan it all from scratch.

Because safety conversations don’t always happen on their own.
This course makes it easy to open the right conversations now—and build the kind of trust you’ll rely on through the tween years and beyond.