children home alone New Mexico

[charlibets]

Is there a legal age in New Mexico for when it is permissable to allow a child to stay home alone? Is there a difference if it is day time or overnight?

thanks,
Betsy

[rkelley]

LEGAL AGE

There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with very specific ages. Typically 8 year olds and over can be left at home for up to several hours (usually after school before a parent gets home from work).

12 years old appears to be the most common recommendation. http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchke...age-limits.htm provides a state by state comparison.