Is your child ready to stay home alone?
With school summer break coming up, and offices opening back up, many working parents are stressed about child care. We are here to provide some guidance surrounding at what age you can leave your child home alone. It can be a hard decision, and there is not a lot of clear guidelines available to parents. Only 14 states have laws on what age a child can be left alone, with ranges from 6-13.
Maryland law states, that children over the age of 8 are allowed to be home alone and children 13 years of age or older can care for a child under 8. However, all children are not the same. Some children mature faster than others and are more independent. Here are some helpful tips to help you make an educated decision on whether your child can stay home alone.
- Is your neighborhood generally safe?
- Do you have a neighbor who is home during the day and would lend a hand in case of emergency?
- Does your child express an interest in staying home alone?
- Do you think your child is mature enough for this independence and responsibility?
- Do they show responsibility with other things like household chores and homework?
If you are leaving your child home alone, they should know:
- How to answer the telephone and know they should never disclose they are home alone to a caller.
- What to do if someone comes to the door.
- What to do in the event of a fire or another emergency.
- Where you keep first aid supplies.
- How to contact you in case of emergency.
Another critical step for preparing your child to be left home alone is to set rules. These should be discussed as a family and posted somewhere in the house. Here are some topics that should be discussed.
- Set up a time to get in touch. For example, as soon as your child wakes ups, they are expected to call you.
- Is your child allowed to have friends over? How many at once? What are the rules when it comes to friends of the opposite sex?
- Is your child allowed to answer the door if someone knocks?
- What activities are off limits?
- Is TV allowed? Only specific channels? Any specific time allotment?
- Is your child allowed to cook? Only with the microwave or is the stove/oven allowed?
- Are there expectations when it comes to homework and chores that need to be done?
- Tell your child your itinerary, if you will be late, let them know. Children worry too.
Be sure to childproof your home. No matter how well your child follows the rules, accidents can happen. Be sure to keep things like alcohol, prescription drugs, matches, candles, car keys and tobacco locked away. If you have a gun in the house, be sure it is locked and not accessible to your child.
Do a practice run! Let your child stay home alone for 30 minutes to one hour, stay close by and be easily reachable. When you get back, discuss how it went and adjust rules and expectations for the next time.
Staying home alone can make children feel independent and confident in their skills. Self-care can be rewarding for children who are ready for it, with the right preparation and practice, your child with be comfortable being home alone and you can relax knowing they will be safe.
- Is your neighborhood generally safe?
- Do you have a neighbor who is home during the day and would lend a hand in case of emergency?
- Does your child express an interest in staying home alone?
- Do you think your child is mature enough for this independence and responsibility?
- Do they show responsibility with other things like household chores and homework?
If you are leaving your child home alone, they should know:
- How to answer the telephone and know they should never disclose they are home alone to a caller.
- What to do if someone comes to the door.
- What to do in the event of a fire or another emergency.
- Where you keep first aid supplies.
- How to contact you in case of emergency.
Another critical step for preparing your child to be left home alone is to set rules. These should be discussed as a family and posted somewhere in the house. Here are some topics that should be discussed.
- Set up a time to get in touch. For example, as soon as your child wakes ups, they are expected to call you.
- Is your child allowed to have friends over? How many at once? What are the rules when it comes to friends of the opposite sex?
- Is your child allowed to answer the door if someone knocks?
- What activities are off limits?
- Is TV allowed? Only specific channels? Any specific time allotment?
- Is your child allowed to cook? Only with the microwave or is the stove/oven allowed?
- Are there expectations when it comes to homework and chores that need to be done?
- Tell your child your itinerary, if you will be late, let them know. Children worry too.
Be sure to childproof your home. No matter how well your child follows the rules, accidents can happen. Be sure to keep things like alcohol, prescription drugs, matches, candles, car keys and tobacco locked away. If you have a gun in the house, be sure it is locked and not accessible to your child.
Do a practice run! Let your child stay home alone for 30 minutes to one hour, stay close by and be easily reachable. When you get back, discuss how it went and adjust rules and expectations for the next time.
Staying home alone can make children feel independent and confident in their skills. Self-care can be rewarding for children who are ready for it, with the right preparation and practice, your child with be comfortable being home alone and you can relax knowing they will be safe.
As always, if you have additional questions, please call our 24/7 Parenting HelpLine at 1-800-243-7337.
Sources:
Plan-For-Your-Childs-Safety-brochure.pdf (maryland.gov)
Preparing Your Children to Stay Home Alone – Health and Safety Tips for Children (illinois.gov)
Children Home Alone – Child Welfare Information Gateway
Is Your Child Ready to Stay Home Alone? – HealthyChildren.org
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gfl§ion=5-801
