
Parenting Dilemma: Leaving A Child Home Alone For Work Commitment
My Side Hustle as a DJ
I DJ mostly at weddings and corporate events, and recently I got offered a gig that would run until 4 am. It was a great opportunity, especially since the pay was really good. The only problem? The event was over two hours away, which meant I wouldn’t be home until at least 6 am.
The Dilemma: Leaving My Son Alone
My 11-year-old son is used to me being away for hours at a time. His mom is not around so that's not an option. I also live hours from my family and friends and don't really trust "strangers".
My son's responsible, and I’ve never had any reason to doubt that he can handle being alone for a few hours. I've had to leave him alone before many times during the day and early evening without incident.
In fact, I have two ring cameras in the house, so I can monitor him from my phone all night long. But the question remains: is it actually legal to leave him home alone at his age?
What the Law Says
According to the OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services), in New York there’s no clear-cut rule on the minimum age for leaving a child home alone. It’s more about the child’s maturity, ability to handle the situation, and their overall readiness.

Some kids are fine being left alone at 12 or 13, while others may not be responsible enough until they’re older. For me, my son is generally well-prepared. He knows how to reach emergency services if needed, and there are no major hazards in the house that would pose a risk.
Making the Decision
I considered his maturity, his comfort level with the situation, and the fact that he’s capable of handling the circumstances. With the added security of being able to check in via cameras, I felt comfortable moving forward with the gig. But it’s definitely a judgment call that parents have to make based on their child’s unique needs and abilities.
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Gallery Credit: Jonah