Is my child old enough to stay home alone? Many parents struggle with this, for single parents sometimes it’s even more of a struggle when there just isn’t money for daycare. No parent wants to put their child in a situation they are not ready for so we worry and stress.
What age is old enough? I searched the internet and it seems that everyone has differing opinions. There are only two states that have laws about it, and even they differ greatly. Illinois says 14 and Maryland says no child under 8 should be left alone. I don’t know about you but for me 8 seems very young and 14 seems a little old to be left alone for the first time.
Before I left Hailey alone for any length of time we did trial runs. I would go to the grocery store to pick up a few things and leave her home. I thought she was mature enough but still worried if she would know what to do in an emergency. Hailey was ten when I left her alone before and after school. Thinking back now ten seems very young but we talked about everything that could possibly happen. It is best if you over prepare your child to be home alone. If you doubt their maturity at all, do not leave them alone, better safe than sorry.
Ask yourself some basic questions when you are considering leaving your child alone:
• Is your child afraid of staying alone?
• Can you child follow rules without supervision?
• Do you think your child would be clear headed in an emergency?
• Is your child able to call 911 and give their full name and address?
• Is your child physically and mentally able to take care of himself?
If you feel comfortable with these things then go over some rules:
• Is TV allowed?
• Should homework be finished before you get home?
• Can your child have friends over?
• Do you want your child to answer the phone or door?
• What about computer use?
If you feel good about leaving your child make sure there is a safety plan. Your child should have an adult in addition to you that she can call. Talk about what to do if there is a fire or other emergency.
Lastly, make sure your home is childproof. Where are medications kept? Does your child have access to them? Do you have firearms? Are they securely locked up? What else could potentially cause your child harm? You can’t prepare for every emergency but prepare as best you can and talk, talk, talk.
I remember when Hailey would call me when she got home from school, I looked forward to those calls all day and they reassured me that she was fine and able to take care of herself. It’s bittersweet, you’re happy not to have to pay daycare anymore but sad that they are old enough not to need daycare anymore.