Is Your Child Ready To Be Home Alone?

Are you thinking about leaving your child home alone this summer while going to work or running errands? Safe Kids USA offers the following tip on how to keep children safer, even when they're home alone.

Developmentally, children are generally ready to be home alone around the ages of 12 or 13. However, children develop at different rates, so use your own discretion, within the boundaries of the law, to determine your child’s maturity level and capabilities.

For example, if you have an impulsive 13-year-old who is a big risk taker, you might be hesitant to leave him or her alone. On the other hand, a thoughtful 11-year-old who has a good track-record of following the household rules might be ready.

Safety Tips

Follow these recommendations when leaving a child home alone:

Start slowly. The first time you leave your child home alone, leave only for a brief period and stay close to home.

Tell your child where you’ll be, how you can be reached and when you’ll return home.

Place all emergency phone numbers (doctor, hospital, police department, fire department, poison control center and 911), the phone number where you can be reached and the number of a friend or neighbor in a visible place near all phones.

Show your child the safety precautions you have taken in your home, how they work and practice scenarios where your child has to use them.

Point out potential hazards in your home such as electrical outlets, appliances and heating equipment and teach your child how to avoid injuries from them.

Prepare a snack or meal for your child in advance, preferably one that doesn’t need to be heated. If it needs to be heated, remind your child to turn off the oven or stove and be safe when using the microwave.

Show your child where the first aid kit is and how to use the items in it.