Seventeen percent of children in kindergarten through eighth grade spend some time home alone each week, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If your children must stay alone, be sure they know how to care for themselves safely and responsibly.
Is Your Child Old Enough?
Some states mandate a minimum age for children left home alone, but most do not. The legal age to stay home alone ranges from eight in Maryland to 14 in Illinois. In Illinois the law does not forbid children younger than 14 from being home alone, it simply states that a child younger than 14 cannot be left alone for a significant amount of time without regard to their safety and well-being. Within legal limits, age is not generally a reliable guideline for whether children are capable of taking care of themselves. One 10-year old might be mature and responsible enough to stay home alone, while another child of the same age still needs adult supervision. A child old enough to stay home alone exhibits responsibility in other situations and is not afraid to be alone for an hour or two.
Caring for Younger Siblings
Caring for younger siblings requires more maturity from a child than caring for themselves alone. Is the child able to mediate disputes fairly? Are they capable of feeding, changing diapers and putting a young child down for a nap if necessary? A child home alone caring for younger siblings should also be able and willing to play games suited to the younger child's abilities. Consider signing your older child up for a babysitting course. These courses are offered through various community organizations, including park districts and the YMCA.
Meals
Will your child need to prepare a meal while they are home alone? Provide easy meals that do not require using the stove or oven. Microwave meals are ideal for children home alone. They allow the child to have a hot meal without the safety risks of using the stove or oven.
Before leaving your child home alone over a meal time, do a dry run. Allow them to cook their own meal while you are home so they can ask questions if the directions are not clear. Remind them to be careful when removing food from the microwave, as the container may be hot enough to burn them. Demonstrate how to use pot holders or oven mitts.
Boredom
Children who get bored while home alone tend to get into trouble. Provide a schedule for your child that includes homework, household chores and fun activities, such as a movie and popcorn after their homework and chores are done.
Dealing with Emergencies
Children left home alone should know how to deal with any emergency they may face. They should know basic first aid, and know how and when to call 911 or other emergency phone numbers. Instruct your child how to answer the phone and never to reveal to the caller that they are home alone. Tell them to say that you are busy and to take a message instead.
Communication
Write down your cell phone number, as well as your office or other contact phone numbers, near the telephone. Be sure your child knows a neighbor or nearby family friend or relative whom they can call on if you are unavailable.
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