At Home Alone

The age when it is safe for a child to stay at home alone really depends on the maturity of the child. The average age is around 11 or 12, but there are some things to consider before allowing your child to stay alone. One critical factor is whether your child has the judgment to handle an emergency. If there is a fire, can he be trusted to get out of the house immediately, or will his first impulse be to rescue the cat? Legal implications vary from one community to another. For information about which laws apply to your situation, check with the office of your city attorney, county attorney or state attorney general. If you decide that your child is able to stay alone, teach him how to get help when he needs it—by calling 911 in an emergency, or contacting you or another adult in other circumstances. Instruct him in basic first aid; he should know what to do if he cuts himself while preparing a snack, for example. If he´s allowed to use the microwave or stove, make sure he knows how to do so safely. Teach him not to tell strangers on the phone or at the door that he´s home alone.