When is it Okay to leave your Kids Home alone?

If you have children, especially young children, you’ve probably been wondering when it is okay to leave them home alone.

Below is a helpful guide to show when it is age appropriate, keep in mind that these are not official recommendations, only a guideline. Only you as a parent will know when your kids are responsible enough to be left completely alone…

Do you feel your child is old enough to be left alone for a few hours, or overnight? There are some precautions you can take to ease your worry and make sure your children are safe when you’re not at home.

      1.       Stay in touch. Make sure to call your kids regularly throughout the day to ask how they are doing and what they are doing. Depending on your child’s age, they should not leave the house at all.

      2.       Keep them connected. Write down a list of all the important numbers by the phone or make them put them in their cell phone. These numbers should include your number, your works number, the police, doctor’s office, a neighbour and a relative that lives close by. As an extra precaution install the PatrolMan app on their phone and get them to press the SOS button if there is ever an emergency situation.

      3.       Set rules. Children need to know what they can do and what they can’t do. Are they allowed to use the stove? Can they use the internet? Are they allowed to invite a friend or two over?

Children mature differently, so there is no specific age where it is 100% okay for them to be left home alone. As a parent it is your decision, so ask yourself these questions before you come to your conclusion…

     ·         Is your child trustworthy enough to go straight home after school or when coming home from a friend’s house?

     ·         Does your child know how to use a phone, door lock and kitchen appliances?

     ·         Can your child follow rules and instructions properly?

     ·         Do they handle unexpected situations well without panicking?

     ·         Is it possible for them to be home alone without getting scared?

     ·         Do they know their full name, address and phone number off-by-heart?

If you feel that your child is mature enough to be left home alone, chat about it with them and make sure you practice different scenarios with them about what they should and shouldn’t do!