No Babysitter? What is Michigan’s Legal Age to Stay Home Alone?

There are a ton of decisions that need to be made in the realm of parenting. I'm certain there are several decisions I made incorrectly and those will come up in counseling for my kids down the line.

Related: Michigan's Average Babysitter Hourly Rate: Are You Paying Enough?

One of the 'Big Kid' moments both children and parents look forward to the most is when you can trust the little ones to stay home without you. Has Michigan set a minimum legal age for kiddos to be left home alone?

Navigating Michigan's Home Alone Guidelines

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, Michigan has no set age for a minor to be left unsupervised. Instead, the state emphasizes 'readiness' as the determining factor.

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Historically, Michigan has strongly suggested that expecting children under the age of 10 to be able to handle the responsibility of being home alone isn't realistic. Let's be real, all of this is more than a little vague.

Before heading out for that movie or dinner without a babysitter, here are 11 things that Corrivea Law in Northville, Michigan to ask yourself and your child:

1. Can your son/daughter can recognize an emergency and call 911 should it be medically necessary?
2. Can he/she provide the necessary information to the dispatcher (address, directions, home phone number, etc.)?
3. Can your son/daughter contact you or another trusted adult in the event of a minor emergency?
4. Can he/she evaluate, assist, or administer aid to a minor injury?
5. Can he/she identify two escape routes in the event of a fire?
6. Can he/she seek shelter in the unlikely event of a natural disaster or severe storm?
7. Does he/she know where first aid supplies are stored and how to use them?
8. Does he/she know CPR and/or the Heimlich maneuver?
9. Does he/she feel safe being home alone?
10. Has he/she expressed an interest and willingness to stay home alone?
11. You son/daughter has demonstrated correct procedures for handling strangers both on the phone and at the door?

Of course, these questions shouldn't be the only things you take into consideration. You know your kid better than anybody but, you also know what you did when you were their age. It's always better to cover all your bases, so if you have lingering questions, reach out to Child Protective Services at 1-800-422-4453.