How Old Does a Child Need to Be to Stay Home Alone in Missouri?

Summer months are a lot of fun for kids. There's no school; they can sleep in, spend time with friends, and play video games. For parents, however, summer can be stressful as they try to figure out childcare arrangements. If you're considering leaving your child home alone in Missouri, there are a few things you should know.

What Missouri Law Says About Kids Staying Home Alone

Missouri does not have a specific law that sets a minimum age for a child to stay home alone. Instead, the decision is largely left up to parents and their judgment of their child's maturity level. If you believe your child is mature enough to stay home alone for a few hours, or even during the workday, you can do so without fear of automatically facing legal penalties.

Important Factors Parents Should Consider

Before leaving a child home alone, parents should consider several factors:

• The child's age
• Their maturity level
• Whether they know what to do in an emergency
• If they have access to a phone or a trusted adult
• Whether younger siblings will also need supervision

What Age Do Experts Recommend?

Safety experts generally recommend that children be at least 10 or 11 years old before being left home alone for short periods. For longer periods, many experts suggest waiting until a child is 12 or 13 years old.

Ultimately, it comes down to the individual child and how comfortable you feel leaving them home alone during the day. Of course, alternatives such as day camps, babysitters, or help from grandparents may be available.

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However, if those options aren't possible, it's reassuring to know that Missouri law leaves the decision up to parents, provided they are acting responsibly and in their child's best interest.