Over the years, I have been asked this question a number of times, and it has been part of litigation in many courtrooms throughout the country and even overseas. The simple answer is (like most legal questions)—it depends!

Most states do not have a minimum age requirement to leave a child home alone. Only a few states have laws that specify the age when a parent may leave their child home alone, including Oregon (age 10), Illinois (age 14), and Maryland (age 8).

Texas law does not state what age is old enough for a child to stay at home alone. However, you (as a parent) are accountable for the safety of your child, and failure to properly supervise your child could be considered as a type of neglect (“neglectful supervision”).

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services sets forth some things for parents to consider when deciding how closely to supervise a child:

-How old, emotionally mature, and capable is your child?

-What is the layout and safety of the home, play area, or other setting?

-What are the hazards and risks in the neighborhood?

-What is your child’s ability to respond to illness, fire, weather, or other types of emergencies?

-Does your child have a mental, physical, or medical disability?

-How many children are being left supervised?

-Do they know where you are?

-Can they contact you or other responsible adults?

-How long and how often is the child (or children) left alone?

In other words, use common sense. The bottom line is that it is a huge responsibility for a parent to make the decision to leave a child home alone. Please consider these guidelines when making that decision.