Is There a Legal Age in Michigan for Kids to be Home Alone?

It is now officially summer. Kids are home from school and probably finding all sorts of crazy things to do.

But there is a parent quandary here. You have to go to work, or run errands, grocery shopping, doctors, dentists, there are a load of obligations, so what do you do with the kids? Do they have to be a certain age to stay home alone?

12 and older seems to be the most accepted age to be able to leave them home alone, but what is the law in Michigan?

Surprisingly, there isn't one. Nope, no law to set a minimum age that children can be left home alone. And, most other states don't have any laws either. Only Illinois, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, and Oregon have age appropriate  laws.

Okay, so what is a parent to do?

👇  BELOW: GREAT WAYS TO KEEP KIDS BUSY THIS SUMMER! 👇

The website Michigan.gov offers some tips and sound advice.

"There is no agreed-upon age when all children are able to stay home alone safely. Because children mature at different rates, you should not base your decision on age alone. You may want to evaluate your child’s maturity and how he or she has demonstrated responsible behavior in the past. The following questions may help:

• Is your child physically and mentally able to care for him- or herself?

• Does your child obey rules and make good decisions?

• Does your child feel comfortable or fearful about being home alone?"

And parents, of course there are some basic rules that your children should be able to follow according to the Today.com.

• Do kids understand not to open the door for anyone, be it delivery people, solicitors or people they know?
• Do they know to stay inside the home and not leave?
• Your child should memorize your phone number, their home address and any access codes to the building, along with how and when to call 911.
• While you’re out of the house, check in with your child mid-way through, but don’t overdo it or they won’t feel trusted.
• Also, charge all electronic devices so your child has a line to the outside world.

Good Advice! Let keep our kid safe!