Home Alone

When and How?

By Elizabeth Pantley

I'm trying to decide if my children are ready to be home alone for short periods of time. I'm thinking specifically of the time after school until I arrive home from work, or in evening when I attend a meeting or go out to dinner. How can I tell when it's okay to get by without a baby-sitter?

Think about it: As your children get older and require less one-on-one parental supervision, it's tempting to bypass the hassle of arranging for a sitter, not to mention paying for the service. Keep in mind, though, that this decision should not be based on a "best case" scenario, but rather, it should be made based on your child's ability to handle an unforeseen emergency in your absence.

The first thing to consider as you determine if your child is ready to be home alone is your child's age. There are laws that dictate how old a child must be before spending time alone without an adult. Check the laws in your area. Typically, a child should be aged twelve or older before you consider leaving him alone, even if the law permits a child of a younger age to go unchaperoned.

The second thing to consider prior to allowing a child to be home alone is the child's level of responsibility. Take a look at how the child handles homework, chores, and personal responsibilities. Does the child display trustworthiness and the ability to self-manage? Is your child emotionally mature and capable of good judgment? Some children show these traits as young as age ten, others, not until thirteen, fourteen, or older. In addition to considering these issues, check with your child to make certain she feels ready to stay home alone. Sometimes children are responsible and capable, but have fears about being alone in the house. These fears should be respected.