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At some point, parents have to decide if they should leave their child home alone. It is not always an easy decision because there is no magic age or formula to determine if a child is ready for this responsibility. Many factors come into play, and the decision to allow your child to remain alone should be based on some objective criteria, along with an overall evaluation of the child's maturity. Check with your local police department because most states have laws when a child may be legally left alone and at what age an older child may legally supervise a younger child. By answering the questions below, you gain useful information about your child that can help you decide.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Can your child recite your telephone number and address? Does your child know how to dial a phone number? Can your child handle an incoming phone call?
- Can your child relay information to you about daily events without prompting? For example, can your child explain what he/she did in school in enough detail so that you understand?
- Is your child willing to be left alone? Does your child often get fearful? Is he/she afraid of noises or darkness?
- Is your child able to recite a procedure for handling strangers or other people who come to the door?
- Does your child know what to do in case of a fire? Can your child name all of the escape routes in your home?
- Is your child able to handle simple first-aid procedures? Would your child know what to do for a nosebleed, burn, bruise or cut?
- Does your child have a seizure or heart disorder or any other condition that may result in loss of consciousness?
- Is your child aware of the 911 emergency number (or other emergency number if your area does not use 911)? Does he/she know what to expect if that number is dialed?
- Is your child able to recite a list of household rules that must be followed? For example, rules about matches or rules about what in the house may be off-limits to children.
- Is your child able and willing to follow directions? For example, are chores and homework usually completed in a reasonable amount of time?
- Has your child shown good judgment when allowed to make decisions on his/her own? How mature is your child? Can he/she be trusted not to lose the house keys? Can your child find something constructive to do without direct supervision?
- If you are planning to leave siblings alone together, do you feel confident that they can get along and will be able to resolve any conflicts that might occur? How have they resolved issues in the past? How much parental intervention is usually needed?
- Are you aware of your state laws in regard to leaving a child unattended? Laws vary by state, but many states have set limits whereby it is illegal to leave your child alone until a certain age.
If you have answered "yes" to the majority of these questions, your child may have the maturity necessary to be left alone. A "no" answer does not automatically mean that your child is not ready. Answers to which you've answered "no" should raise some red flags and give you examples of things you will need to review with your child before leaving him/her alone at home.
The first few times that you leave your child alone, it is best to do so for short periods of time, perhaps 15 to 30 minutes. Always be sure that your child knows exactly where you will be. Leave written phone numbers and addresses with them, and tell them how long you will be gone. If you are going to be later than expected, notify your child.
Have available for your child the phone number of someone to contact if an emergency arises and you cannot immediately be reached. Notify your emergency contact, so that he or she can be prepared to help, if needed. If you have a cell phone or beeper be sure to write the numbers down in an accessible place in the home.
This tool is just one way to measure your child's overall maturity and readiness to be left alone. It is intended to assist you in making the decision of whether or not to allow your child to be left alone.
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External Sources
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Hansen, Ann, M. Ed. Home Alone. National Network for Child Care (NNCC)
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US Department of Education. Safe and Smart: Making After-School Hours Work for Kids.
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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