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Can Your Kids Stay Home Alone This Thanksgiving? Essential Guide for Parents

Source: Can your children stay home alone on Thanksgiving break? What to know (2025-11-26)

This Thanksgiving, many parents face the dilemma of whether their children can stay home alone while they work or attend holiday events. In Delaware, there is no specific legal age requirement for children to be left unsupervised, leaving the decision largely up to parents' judgment. According to the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, there are no state-mandated age restrictions, but experts generally suggest children around 11 or 12 years old may be ready, depending on individual maturity. When making this decision, parents should consider their child's maturity level, ability to handle emergencies, trustworthiness, common sense, and overall comfort with being alone. Recent developments and facts that can help parents make informed choices include: 1. **No Legal Age in Delaware:** Unlike some states with specific age laws, Delaware leaves the decision to parents, emphasizing personal judgment over legal mandates. 2. **American Academy of Pediatrics' Recommendation:** Most child safety experts agree that children aged 11 or 12 are typically capable of staying home alone, but this varies based on individual maturity. 3. **Emergency Preparedness:** Children should be taught how to respond to emergencies such as fires, power outages, or gas leaks, and have access to emergency contacts. 4. **Technological Safety Tools:** Modern safety devices like home security cameras, doorbell cameras, and emergency alert apps can help parents monitor their children remotely. 5. **Community and Neighborhood Factors:** The safety of the neighborhood, proximity to emergency services, and community resources influence whether children can be left alone. 6. **Legal and Insurance Considerations:** Some insurance policies or local regulations may have stipulations about children being left alone, so parents should verify their coverage and local rules. 7. **Cultural and Family Values:** Cultural norms and family beliefs significantly influence decisions about children staying home alone, with some families emphasizing independence earlier than others. 8. **Recent Trends:** During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in children being left home alone due to remote work, leading to more resources and guidelines for parents. 9. **School and Extracurricular Activities:** Children involved in after-school programs or extracurricular activities may already be accustomed to being alone for short periods, which can influence readiness. 10. **Legal Updates and Resources:** As of late 2025, several states are considering or have enacted laws to provide clearer guidelines on the appropriate age for children to stay home alone, reflecting ongoing policy evolution. Ultimately, the decision to leave children home alone during Thanksgiving or any other time should be made carefully, considering all these factors. Open communication with your child about safety, rules, and expectations is crucial, as is gradually increasing their independence in a safe and supportive environment. Parents are encouraged to consult local resources, safety experts, and community programs to ensure their children’s well-being during holiday breaks.

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