Mom Leaves 18-Year-Old Home Alone To Go On Her Honeymoon—and His School Has Questions

A mom wrote about the incident on Reddit and opinions are divided.

A mother raised concerns after her decision to leave her 18-year-old son at home while she traveled with her husband on a week-long international honeymoon. The mom turned to Reddit to share her perspective, sparking a discussion with over 93,000 interactions. She mentioned that the son preferred direct communication from the school regarding any potential closures or delays due to an incoming snowstorm.

“Red Flags Raised Over Home Alone Teen”

According to the concerned mother, her son’s decision to stay home alone for a week raised concerns among school authorities, leading to a meeting with his guidance counselor. Despite being a legal adult with the capability to vote, join the military, and get married, the school seemed to question his ability to handle the situation with ample food supply and nearby contacts for emergencies.

School’s Reaction Sparked Debate

While specific details were not disclosed, the school’s response to the situation prompted discussions about whether they overstepped their boundaries. Many individuals were quick to share their opinions on the matter.

Opinions Differ on the Issue

Over 4,000 comments have been posted, with many believing that the son’s age should have prevented any questioning.

One person expressed, “I guess it’s a good thing the school is concerned for their students, but maybe they should remember his age!”

Another commenter stated, “Nothing says ‘we want you ready for adulthood’ like treating you as an adult and then saying you can’t survive on your own.”

Some individuals reflected on their own experiences at that age, with one person sharing, “When I was 18, I traveled solo around the world. Your child can handle a week alone at home.”

However, others support the school’s actions, suggesting that administrators were simply ensuring the student’s well-being.

“They were concerned about his safety. Imagine if he had been an 18-year-old left alone in an empty house without heat or food. Should they have disregarded him because of his age? Appreciate the school’s diligence,” one commenter remarked.

School Counselor’s Perspective

A school counselor highlights that although it’s legal for an 18-year-old to stay home alone for a week and CPS wouldn’t typically intervene due to their age, schools may still investigate regardless of the student’s status as an adult.

Importance of Caution

Emphasizing the need for caution, the counselor mentions that without more details about the conversation, forming a solid opinion is challenging. Checking in on such situations is a standard practice to prevent any potential dangers, as overlooking a situation could lead to serious consequences and jeopardize their job and legal standing.

Are There Laws on Kids Staying Home Alone?

If a younger teen was in the same situation, the outcome might have varied.

Specific laws regarding the age at which children can stay home alone are only present in a select few states, with Illinois requiring children to be at least 14 years old.1

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a child’s readiness and maturity play crucial roles in determining when they are ready to stay home alone, with experts generally agreeing that around the ages of 11 to 12 is suitable for children to be home alone for short periods. Some parents may even be comfortable leaving younger children, such as 8- or 9-year-olds, at home alone as well.

Ultimately, the decision depends on the individual child. In the case of the 18-year-old mentioned in the Reddit discussion, it is likely that he was perfectly capable of staying home alone, but it is always wise for the school to verify this, just to be sure.

Is Your Child Ready to Stay Home Alone?

Ensuring your child is ready to stay home alone is essential for their safety and well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides valuable guidelines to help parents determine if their child is prepared for this responsibility. It is crucial to assess your child’s maturity, comfort level, and ability to make decisions independently before allowing them to stay home alone. Building trust and open communication with your child is key to this transition and ensuring they know how to handle various situations that may arise while they are home alone. By following these guidelines and considering your child’s readiness, you can help them gain confidence and independence while staying safe when home alone.