Many parents consider leaving their children home alone while they are at work. Knowing when your child is ready for this added responsibility requires careful consideration.
First, contact your county social service agency and ask for local guidelines on the age children legally can be left alone. However, keep in mind that age alone will not determine if your child is ready. You also need to ask yourself the following questions:
Physical maturity
• Can my child lock and unlock the door?
• Can my child use the telephone?
• Can my child prepare a snack?
Learning ability
• Can my child read and write?
• Can my child follow directions?
• Does my child use good judgment?
Emotional maturity
• Is my child confident?
• Is my child fearful?
• Is my child stressed?
• Does my child display acceptable behavior consistently?
• Is he or she comfortable being home alone?
Safety considerations
• Can my child reach me in an emergency?
• Do I have a backup person my child can contact if I cannot be reached?
• Does my employer allow me to make personal phone calls to check on my child?
• Do we live in a neighborhood where my child will be safe and feel comfortable?
• Is there someone my child can go to in the neighborhood in an emergency?
• Will there be responsibilities for siblings?
Clear rules and expectations should be outlined. Parents also should prepare and rehearse an emergency plan with their child.
Interaction with adults is crucial to child development. Time spent home alone should be limited. Make building your family’s support system a goal, so other adults can be available to share in caring for children.
Gloria Tarrer is the director of the Family Resource Center of Sherman Park. The family resource center is a service of Children's Service Society of Wisconsin. For more information about letting your child stay home alone or to receive a complete schedule of free parenting classes, programs and resources, call (414) 444-5760.