When Can Kids Stay Home Alone Overnight?

At what age can kids stay home alone overnight? The answer depends on many factors, including the law, your child's maturity level, whether siblings are around, and more.

It's tricky enough to decide whether you can leave your tween or teen home for an hour while you run an errand. Deciding if your teen is mature enough to be left home alone for the night is even more complicated. Will they respect the rules of the house? What if something goes wrong and you're not there to help?

Despite the potential risks, allowing your teen to stay home alone can be an important step in preparing them for college or independent living. Learn what age your child can stay home alone and how to know if it's OK for your child to be in charge of the house for a night.

What Age Can Kids Stay Home Alone Overnight?

Some states have laws that clearly state the minimum age at which you can leave your children home alone for any period. The legal age to stay home alone ranges from 6-years-old (Kansas) to 14-years-old (Illinois). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most kids are ready to be home alone for a brief period by age 11 or 12.

Laws are less clear on the minimum age that a child can be home alone overnight. Some states differentiate between the age at which a child can be home alone for "short periods" and "long periods." However, state laws have little to say about the time of day a child can be home alone.

The Children's Bureau, an arm of the US Administration for Children & Families, does offer guidance. It recommends that children do not stay home alone at night until their "late teens," but their maturity level should also be considered.

Signs Your Teen Is Ready To Stay Home Alone Overnight

Letting your teen run the house for a few hours while you're shopping is far different from leaving them home all night by themselves. There are certain considerations to factor in when you're deciding if they're ready for this big step.

Researchers have found that because individuals mature at different rates, maturity levels will vary among teens of the same age. Some hallmarks of maturity to look for in your teen include:

• Ability to delay gratification: In other words, your teen can put off getting what they want until after they do what needs to be done. (Work first, play later.)
• Responsibility: They should be able to do their chores, complete their homework, and handle other responsibilities independently. If your teen already makes dinner, runs errands, or cares for younger siblings, they may be ready to stay home alone overnight.
• Ability to handle stress: When hard decisions or extra activities arise, your teen's skill at dealing with these stressors can reflect their maturity level. Mature teens have developed problem-solving strategies to counter everyday stress.
• Trustworthiness: You need to trust that your teen will do what they commit to doing in most situations. A basic level of integrity and keeping their word is a sign that your teen is maturing into a healthy adult.
• Planning skills: When home alone, teens will plan effectively to make their dinner, lock up at night, and set the alarm if you have one.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Leaving Your Teen Home Alone

When thinking about your teen’s ability to stay safe while home alone overnight, consider these questions:

• Does your teen know how to respond to an emergency? A variety of potential emergencies could arise in your absence, ranging from a broken bone to a house fire. Can your teen make healthy decisions independently while under stress?
• Do you have anyone to check on your teen? Having a friend or family member periodically check in with your teen can prevent many problems and give you peace of mind.
• Is your teen likely to be anxious? Although some teens won’t admit it, many are afraid of being home alone at night. If your teen is uneasy, how will they handle being home alone all night?
• How well does your teen follow the rules? If your teen can’t follow the rules when you’re home, there’s a high probability they won’t follow them when you’re gone. You need to be able to trust your teen before leaving them home alone overnight.
• Can your teen resist peer pressure? Is your child a follower or a leader? If they are easily swayed by friends who would love the chance to throw a party at a parent-free house, leaving them home alone overnight could be a recipe for disaster.
• Are siblings involved? It’s one thing for a 16-year-old to stay home alone for the night, but it’s completely different for them to care for younger siblings too. Consider finding a place for younger siblings to go while you let your teen practice being home alone overnight a few times.

Preparing Your Teen To Stay Home Alone Overnight

If your teen can handle being home alone for extended periods and make it home by their curfew regularly, they may be ready to stay home alone all night.

The best thing you can do is give your teen added responsibility slowly. Take precautionary measures to prepare them.

• Talk with your teen to see if they feel comfortable staying home alone overnight. This is a big step from being at home alone during the day and you want to make sure your teen feels confident before you leave them.
• Go over what to do in case of an emergency. Make sure they have contact information for family members, friends, and any emergency numbers in their phone.
• Ask them how they would handle certain situations, such as a stranger coming to the door, the smoke alarm sounding, or a neighbor asking if you're out of town. Make sure they have the knowledge they need to stay safe overnight.
• Establish house rules and make your expectations clear. Saying, "I expect you to still be home by your usual curfew and not to have any friends over without my permission" can go a long way.
• Explain the consequences ahead of time, too. Whether you take away your teen's driving privileges or the prom, make it clear that there will be consequences for violating your trust.
• See if a neighbor or relative can come and check on your teen. Or, at least be available if they need anything while you're gone.
• Make a plan for connecting by phone or text. Let your teen know what steps you'll take if you don't hear back from them when you check in.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Keep in mind that teens are not yet adults. They may not follow the rules and make good decisions while you're out of town. If they blow it and throw a party or invite their romantic partner over, know that you wouldn't be the first parent this has happened to.

If they break the rules, follow through on any consequences that you discussed with your teen before leaving them alone. Although you will likely feel disappointed in them (and they may be disappointed in themselves), it will be a learning experience.