![]() ![]() Would your child be able to remember and follow important safety rules? For example, can they tell you how they would respond to a fire, gas leak or other emergency? Can they follow other rules such as not opening the door, not telling telephone callers that they are alone, and not posting on social media that they are alone? Plan ahead Video games? Can they creatively use their time with activities such as reading, drawing, making music, doing homework and playing with toys, among other things? Safety Do they have common sense? For example, if the milk smells sour or curdles when it's poured, would your child drink it? InterestsĬan your child keep busy without relying on relying on television or Would your child be able to make good judgements on their own. Would your child feel comfortable left alone? Have you directly asked your child if they would be OK home alone? Common sense ![]() ![]() How does your adolescent respond to peer pressure? Comfort Cautionĭoes your child think before they act? This is especially important for young teens, who may be tempted toĮxperiment with illegal activities such as sneaking a few sips of liquor from the liquor cabinet. However, some parents may be OK leaving a more mature 8- or 9-year-old home alone for a half hour or so once in a while. Most children will not be mature enough to manage being alone on a regular basis until they are about 10 or 11 years old. Here are some guidelines to consider when deciding whether your child is ready to be home alone: Ageĭo you think your child is old and mature enough to take care of themselves? Keep in mind that each child's maturity and parents' comfort level may be different. These laws typically include language about "unreasonable amounts of time," so check the details for your local regulations before setting a plan. Laws about when you can leave a child home alone, with minimum ages ranging from 8 to 14 years old. Take into account the maturity of your child, where you live, your nearby support network, and how far away you will be. Knowing the right time is different for each family. How to gauge if your child is ready for the responsibility With some advance planning and preparation, this milestone can be a great way to build your child's independence and confidence. It is important to recognize that the right time will vary by family, so trust your instincts. While child experts typically agree that 11 or 12 years old is an appropriate age to stay home alone for a few hours, there are a number of factors to consider. ![]()
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