What Age Can Missouri Kids Stay Home Alone in Summer?

The parent challenge is real and that's especially during the summer months when school is not in session. What is the legal age a child can stay home alone in Missouri during this time? The answer is more complicated than you might think and it's an important one to get right.

First, a few important facts to share. First, I am also a parent of 7 wonderful kids some of whom are no longer children, but full-grown adults who are arguably more mature than I am. Second and more importantly, I am NOT a lawyer. I have family members that are, but I am not to be relied upon for legal advice - EVER. That being said, I became curious about this subject since I have seen friends in Missouri ask the question about how old is old enough to responsibly leave a child at home alone during the summer months.

What does Missouri law say about the legal age for children to be home alone?

For the answer, I went directly to the Missouri Department of Social Services. I was surprised to see them say that Missouri does not have a statute that provides a minimum age for a child to be left alone at home, BUT it does say they will actively investigate reports of any kids left alone that are 8 years old or younger. The document the state of Missouri shared says that a safety check will be done within 3 hours of any reports of a kid 8 or younger being reported alone.

For the sake of safety, the answer of whether or not a child is old enough to be left home alone would depend a lot on the child. I was an only child and was often by myself after school for several hours, but I was also an usual kid (Editor's Note: SHOCKING) that knew how to cook and managed care for our dog, too. I knew what to do in the event of fire or a storm or what to do if someone knocked on the door. I never felt like my parents left me in any danger and I'm sure there are many Missouri kids who could say the same now.

This is a very important and timely question for many Missouri parents as summer has now officially begun. I'm no expert, but I think it would be prudent for families to seek professional guidance before deciding if a babysitter or daycare is needed or if it's time for a child to take care of themselves.