Deciding when to let your kids stay home alone is difficult. Once your child is mature enough to feel comfortable home alone, you may decide it's time to teach her key safety rules and allow her additional independence and responsibility. Your safety rules may vary depending upon your living situation. This should be a gradual transition with regular check ins to make sure that she is safe, responsible and coping well with being home alone.
Step 1
Be sure your child feels comfortable and confident. Talk about potential fears and situations, like being bored or lonely while home alone, suggests the Community Child Care Connection.
Step 2
Prepare an emergency contact list and be certain that your child knows his or her full name, address, and your contact information, as well as the phone number of a nearby neighbor, friend or family member. Include on the list both 911 and local poison control information and post this in a clearly visible and accessible location. KidsHealth.org offers an easy to use printable emergency contact sheet.
Step 3
Teach your child to lock and unlock doors and windows. Take the time to review your home security system if one is present. Give your child his own house key and find a way to help him remember to carry it. If you keep a key hidden outside, be sure he knows where it is or develop a plan to deal with being locked out.
Step 4
Create house rules with your child. Include instructions about using the kitchen and answering the door and telephone. Identify activities that are acceptable for your child to do while at home alone. Consider your child's abilities and challenges as well as your neighborhood and surroundings.
Step 5
Role play possible situations with your child to prepare her for an emergency. Practice appropriate responses to severe weather, a small kitchen fire, power outages or minor medical situations. Address any concerns your children may have about being home alone.
Step 6
Start small. Run to the gas station or local grocery store, leaving your child for 30 minutes to one hour. Gradually increase the length of time based on your comfort and your child's confidence.
Tips and Warnings
- A cell phone can allow children to stay in touch while they are on the way home, if they are locked out, or in case of an emergency.
- State laws vary with most states offering general guidelines about safety and responsibility. If you are concerned, consult your local child protective services office or the division of family services in your area for state guidelines.
Things You'll Need
- Emergency contact list
- Phone or cellular phone
- House key
