Supervision, children alone at home or in cars, physical discipline, and how child protective services and mandated reporters work.
Americans expect close supervision of young children. Some things that are normal in other countries can worry teachers, neighbors or police here. Knowing the rules keeps your family safe and calm.
Never leave a child in a car
A car heats up fast. NHTSA says the inside can rise about 20°F in 10 minutes, even on a mild day with a window open.
Do not leave a child alone in a car, even "for one minute" to pay for gas or buy milk. Many people call 911 when they see it.
Habit: put your phone or bag in the back seat next to the child, so you always look before you lock.
Car seats are required by law for young children. See Car seats for children.
Children alone
There is no single federal age when a child can stay home alone. A few states set an age; most do not. Officials look at the child's age, maturity and how long they are alone.
Many Americans do not leave children under about 10 or 12 at home alone, and do not let young children walk alone far from home.
Do not leave a baby or toddler with an older sibling who is still a young child.
This differs by state; see In your state below.
Physical discipline
Hitting that leaves marks, bruises or injuries, or hitting with objects, can be treated as child abuse.
Many American parents use time-outs (a few minutes sitting quietly), losing privileges (no screen time), and praise for good behavior.
Schools and parenting classes, often free at community centers, teach these methods.
Mandated reporters and CPS
Teachers, doctors, nurses, counselors and childcare workers are mandated reporters: state law requires them to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect. They do not need proof.
Reports go to CPS (Child Protective Services), a state or county agency.
If CPS contacts you, stay calm and polite. A report is not a finding. Many cases are closed after a visit or conversation.
You may ask for an interpreter. You may ask what the concern is. You may talk to a lawyer.
Keep your child's doctor visits and school attendance regular; records help you.
Other safety rules
Safe sleep for babies: on their back, in an empty crib, no pillows or blankets.
Store medicines, cleaning products and any gun locked and out of reach.
Teach your child your phone number, your address, and how to call 911.
Poison control: 1-800-222-1222, free, 24 hours.
Common mistakes
Leaving a sleeping child in the car "because it is cold outside". Cold can also harm a child, and it is still treated as leaving a child alone.
Sending a young child to school with a visible bruise and no explanation. Tell the teacher what happened, for example a fall at the playground.