My Child Wants to Stay Home Alone

There is no magic age when a child can stay home alone; your child must be able to handle responsibility. Help your child feel comfortable and capable when home alone.

1. Begin with a few short times alone and limit the length of each time. Discuss safety risks with your child and responsibilities he will have – things like not allowing anyone in the house without your permission and not telling callers there are no adults in the house.
2. Consider your child’s age, in relationship to his growth, behavior, and judgment, before leaving him or her home alone.
3. Remove fire hazards and practice a fire drill with our child; teach your child basic first aid and make sure he or she knows where your first aid supplies are kept.
4. Establish a plan with a neighbor or friend who is willing to be called for advice if your child has a “small emergency.”
5. Make sure your home address and phone number are posted near your phone.
6. Create a routine for your child if he or she is home after school, have your child call you when he or she gets home, insist that he or she does homework shortly after getting home. Give him or her things to do and a nutritious snack.
7. Set up ground rules to avoid arguments about what you expect. Have a clear understanding about using appliances, having friends visit, and other boundaries.
8. Praise your child for doing a good job when he assumes responsibility.
9. Remember – children need maturity to be responsible for younger siblings. Don’t expect children to care for other children.