When 8-year-old Kevin McAlister was left behind by his parents in "Home Alone", it was the recipe for a heart-warming Christmas movie classic.

In the McAlisters' hometown of Chicago, however, it was also illegal.

Analysis shows that while most states have laid out guidance for how old a child must be before their parents may legally leave them unattended at home, more than a dozen have enacted statutory legislation that sets a minimum age - with one state, Kansas, deeming it legal for children as young as six to be left alone.

In Illinois, the legal age at which a child can be left alone at home is 14.
In Colorado, Connecticut, and Mississippi, state law allows 12-year-olds to stay home unsupervised.

In comparison Maryland state law recommends eight and older may legally be left alone for a brief time and children 12 and older may be left alone for longer periods.

Some 36 states have set out guidance but don't have strict legislation, unlike the 14 states highlighted where a child must hit a certain age to stay home alone. The age of the child depends on each region and its standards.

Children should live with their parents or guardians until they can take care of themselves. They must be supervised at home until they can independently cook and look after themselves and siblings.

Parents need to understand the specific legal framework within their jurisdiction, and to observe the law. However, the decision to leave your child home alone should be thought through rationally, experts say. Recognizing the maturity and readiness of your child to handle being alone and prepared in your home environment is crucial, even if they happen to be legally old enough to be left unattended.

Some child welfare campaigners have in the past expressed concern about the law in Kansas, arguing that regardless of your child's talents, a 6-year-old is not mentally or emotionally prepared to stay home alone.

Children develop at different rates, one child may fit the legal requirements to stay home alone but may not be ready for the challenge.

According to some child development experts, children between 12 to 14 may be ready to start staying home alone for short periods.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) told Newsweek: "Children depend on adults to protect and support them. The broadest mission of public child welfare agencies is to strengthen families so that children can depend on their parents to provide them with a safe and loving home. More specifically, child welfare agencies aim to prevent abuse or neglect of children in their homes."

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