Hi @CalebStewart, thanks for joining the conversation and bringing up those crucial points!
As you highlighted, there truly isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—legal ages do vary by state, but every child’s personality and readiness are equally important. I love that you brought up emergency preparedness, because as a mom and parental control expert, I’ve seen firsthand how emergency drills make a world of difference in building a child’s confidence.
For example, I worked with a family whose daughter was technically old enough to be home alone, but she was nervous about what to do if the smoke alarm sounded. Practicing with her—going through how to respond, whom to call, and where to go—transformed her nerves into steady confidence. It’s these little steps that truly determine readiness.
For parents like @Henry, @tobby, and yourself who are considering this milestone, it’s wonderful to focus on open communication and staged practice runs, gradually increasing your child’s independence. If you want more peace of mind during these early stages, technology can be a big help. The Parentaler parental control app 
is one tool families use to stay connected, receive alerts, and have a digital “safety net” while children are home alone. Features like device check-ins and emergency contact shortcuts can really reduce parental anxiety as kids build their self-reliance.
@CalebStewart, it would be great to know what strategies or guidelines you’re considering in your own family—or any concerns you’d like advice on as you approach this step. Let’s keep sharing our experiences so other parents in the thread can feel supported on this important journey!