When can your child stay home alone?

When can a child stay at home alone, even if it's only very briefly? Most parents find this decision very hard and those with young children may be grateful that that scary moment hasn't arrived yet. Still, children will stay at home alone (and even go out alone!) eventually. How do you know your child is ready?

Your local laws may have a thing or two to say about when children can remain unsupervised, or they may not. It's a good idea to check if such laws are in existence, so that you don't allow your (possibly very responsible!) child to stay at home before that "cut off". Don't allow the letter of the law to make you think that your child will be ready to be at home alone when they're of the age mentioned, though.

A child who stay at home alone needs to be capable in lots of different areas. Many websites who write about this topic mention that a child who stays at home alone should be able to follow instructions like doing their homework, answering the telephone, and so on. While it's obviously good to have a child who knows about basic responsibilities in the house, having a child who can think for themselves is even more important. Following instructions isn't so convenient when it's a pedophile doing the instructing, or when a situation arises which you haven't given any instructions on, like a fire.

My children aren't yet old enough to stay at home alone, but here's what I want them to know before they do (and they're already familiar with some of these points): Most importantly, to honor their own feelings and to know that it's OK to say no to an adult. It's also OK to yell for help, particularly if someone tells you not to yell!

Someone telling you not to yell is a sure-fire sign that something awful will happen if nobody comes to the rescue. To call the emergency service and local police. Where to find the nearest safe neighbour to ask for help, both in small things and big things. Not to open the door to strangers, and to call for help if this happens. To leave the house in the event of a fire, without trying to extinguish it themselves and not to cause fires!

Going out in public alone is even more complicated, and staying home alone is relatively safe. But a child needs to be ready, and parents will know when.

You may also like to read: What every parent should know about sexual abuse.