We have all heard horror stories of children abandoned in cars in casino parking lots, while their gambling parents are inside. If the children are under age, you can get arrested for that.

But what about parents who fly to Vegas for a three day holiday, which includes gambling, hanging out on the strip, enjoying some nice dinners and renewing their vows, while their two children, 12 and 9, stay home alone, unsupervised. Is this neglect?

According to the story which appeared on Mail Online, the Chicago couple doesn’t appear to be a gambling addicted twosome. Nor does it appear that they aren’t good, attentive parents. They went on the trip believing it was fine to leave their children on their own.

They turned themselves into authorities when they were charged with two misdemeanors when their son’s teacher called police once she found out that he and his sister were alone at home while their parents were in Nevada for three days.

Police found the children alone in their apartment and promptly contacted an aunt who took care of them until the parents returned. 

I guess it’s no surprise a British newspaper would pick up this story. It’s the type of feature that appeals to tabloids. But it does bring up the issue of when are children too young to leave alone.

You can read the story here.