Today, Monday, January 19th, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is the first standalone holiday of the new year and a day off for students across New York State. While this break is meaningful, it can be stressful for working parents who suddenly need to figure out childcare.
It often raises the same question every time a surprise snow day pops up. Is it legal to leave your kids at home alone while you go to work?
In New York State, there is no specific law that says what age a child must be to stay home alone. The Office of Children and Family Services leaves that decision up to parents and guardians, while encouraging families to use good judgment based on their own situation.
The agency also points out that every child develops differently. Age alone does not tell the full story. Some kids may be responsible enough at twelve or thirteen to handle being home alone for a short time. Others might need more supervision well into their teenage years.
Read More: Is It Illegal To Drive With Snow On Your Car?
There is also a difference between leaving a child alone and asking that same child to watch younger siblings. A twelve-year-old might be perfectly fine making a snack and doing homework for a few hours, but that does not automatically mean they are ready to care for a younger child.
In the end, it comes down to knowing your child, their maturity level, and what makes you comfortable as a parent. Standalone school holidays can be inconvenient, but safety and peace of mind always come first.
18 Kids Missing From Upstate New York’s Capital Region
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has shared a list of 18 missing children from the Capital Region. Check out these photos—some even use age progression technology—and you might be able to help bring these missing loved ones back to their families. If you have any information, no matter how small it seems, please call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Gallery Credit: National Center For Missing & Exploited Children