When is it Safe to Leave Your Child Home Alone?



There may be times when parents need to leave their children home alone, which can cause anxiety, especially when it’s their first time being left unsupervised. However, with proper preparation and planning, being home alone can also be a positive experience for children, fostering self-confidence and independence. According to Raising Children, here's what you should consider when deciding at what age it's appropriate to leave children home alone.
At What Age Can Children Be Left Home Alone?
Leaving children under the age of 10 home alone is generally not recommended. While the exact age can vary depending on the child’s maturity, it’s usually best to wait until they are at least 10 years old. Some children may be ready earlier, around the age of 8 or 9, but it’s important to assess their maturity and ability to handle emergencies.
Things Parents Should Consider

Child’s Age Most children are typically mature enough to stay home alone regularly around the age of 10 or 11. However, some parents may leave their children at home alone for short periods starting at 8 or 9 years old, depending on the situation.
Decision-Making Skills The child should be able to make decisions independently and think clearly in various situations. For instance, if they pour milk and it smells sour, will they know not to drink it? This ability to think critically is crucial, especially for older children and teens, who may be tempted to leave the house when left alone.
Child’s Interests and Activities Children should be able to stay occupied without relying on the TV or video games. Encouraging creative activities like reading, drawing, doing homework, or playing with toys is important to keep them engaged.
Safety Rules Can the child remember and follow important safety rules? For example, can they tell you how to react in case of a fire or gas leak, or what to do in an emergency? They should also know not to open the door for strangers and not to share that they are home alone on social media or over the phone.
Preparing Your Child to Stay Home Alone
Once you determine your child is ready, here are some tips to prepare them for staying home alone:
Create a Schedule Ask your child to call you right after school, or set a time for you to check in. You can also provide a list of phone numbers for close friends or family members your child can call if they need help.
Establish Rules Set clear rules for when your child is home alone, and make sure they understand them:
No inviting friends over when parents are not home.
Certain rooms may be off-limits, especially when friends are visiting.
Screen time rules, including what TV shows or videos they can watch.
No opening the door for strangers.
Always answer the phone.
Never tell anyone that they are home alone.
Stock Up on Essentials Ensure that you have enough supplies at home, including healthy snacks, any medication your child needs, and emergency supplies such as a flashlight in case of a power outage. Also, make sure to keep important phone numbers on hand, such as those of family members, friends, and emergency services like doctors, the police, and fire departments.
Make the Home Safe Remove any items that could pose a safety risk to your child. This includes medications (especially those that could be harmful in excess, such as cough syrup), car keys, and sharp tools. Keep these items out of the child’s reach to prevent accidents.
Do Some Practice Runs Before leaving your child home alone for the first time, do a trial run. Have them stay alone for 30 minutes to an hour, and stay in regular contact with them. This will help build their confidence and ensure they know what to do in case of an emergency.
Pets Can Be Great Companions If your child feels nervous about being home alone, having a pet around can provide comfort. Many children feel safer and more secure when they have a pet by their side.
Conclusion
Leaving a child home alone can be a big step, but with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding experience that teaches them independence and responsibility. Always consider your child’s age, maturity, and ability to handle situations before making this decision. With the right precautions and rules in place, both you and your child can feel confident and secure in the experience.

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