How do you gauge when a kid can start staying at home alone?

Much of this depends on where you live (as in safety of neighborhood) and kids’ maturity level. Middle school kids typically are old enough to stay home by themselves, at least for a few hours. It’s a good idea to know your neighbors and make friends with some of them. Because most middle school kids have phones, you can stay connected with your youngsters when you’re gone. Nighttime tends to be a little more “scary”, so I suggest wait until at least eighth or ninth grade before you venture out at night.