How to know if your child is ready to stay home alone

By Dr. Kelli Ostermann, Pediatrician, Winona Health

As children grow, parents face a number of decisions that don’t come with easy answers—and deciding when your child is ready to stay home alone is one of them. There’s no set age when every child is ready, because every child is different. It’s a decision that depends on maturity, comfort level, safety awareness, and family circumstances.

Knowing the right time is different for each family. It’s important to consider your child’s level of maturity, how comfortable they are, how far away you’ll be, and what kind of support system you have in place.

Here are a few key things to think about if you’re considering letting your child stay home alone:

Age is a factor, but not the only one While age can help guide your decision, it doesn’t tell the whole story. A general rule of thumb:

• Under 8: Too young to be left alone
• 8–10 years old: Short periods (up to 3 hours), during the day only
• 11–13 years old: Up to 12 hours, depending on maturity
• 14–15 years old: Up to 24 hours with a clear plan
• 16–17 years old: May handle more than 24 hours with guidance and planning

Maturity matters Ask yourself how your child typically handles responsibility. Do they think before acting? Are they able to stay calm and make safe decisions in unexpected situations? Are they able to resist peer pressure? Maturity and good judgment are key when deciding whether they’re ready.

Comfort counts It’s also important to ask your child how they feel about staying home alone. Even if you think they’re ready, they may not feel confident or safe doing so. On the other hand, a child who seems eager might need more structure to ensure they follow rules and stay safe.

Can they stay busy and safe? Children who are able to manage their time with creative or productive activities (reading, drawing, playing music, doing homework) are more likely to handle being alone responsibly. Also consider whether they understand basic safety rules—such as not opening the door to strangers, not posting online that they’re home alone and knowing when to call 911.

Set Clear Expectations Before leaving your child home alone, take time to go over household rules:

• Check-in routines: Make sure they contact you as soon as they get home.
• Visitors: Discuss whether friends or neighbors are allowed to come over.
• Media use: Set limits around screen time and offer ideas for other activities.
• Meals and cooking: Go over what foods are safe to prepare and any kitchen rules.

Prepare for Emergencies Make sure your child knows how to handle potential problems:

• Post a list of emergency contacts in a visible place, such as on your refrigerator.
• Show them where the first aid kit is and explain how to use it.
• Show them where flashlights and batteries are kept.
• Review what to do if there’s a fire, gas leak or power outage.
• If you have pets, talk about how to care for them and what to do in an emergency.

Start Small It’s a good idea to try out short periods of time first. Begin with a 30-minute trip while you’re nearby and reachable. Over time, you can gradually increase the amount of time your child stays home alone, based on how they—and you—feel about it.

When in Doubt, Ask for Guidance If you’re unsure whether your child is ready, your pediatrician can be a helpful resource. They can talk with both you and your child about what’s developmentally appropriate and what safety skills they should have in place.

To schedule an appointment with Winona Health Pediatrics, call 507.457.7607 or visit your My Winona Health Portal. No referral is needed.

Kelli Ostermann, MD, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine