Ruth Vonderhoe, Extension Educator
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Is Your Child Ready to Stay Home Alone?
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
There is no law that states the minimum age that a child can be left alone. However, it is an offense to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk.
Is Your Child Ready?
Consider your child’s maturity level and his ability to handle a variety of situations. If you answer “yes” to most of the following questions, this may indicate your child is ready to stay alone.
Has the child handled brief periods of being left alone well?
Will the child come straight home after school?
Will the child not be lonely or frightened being alone?
Can the child manage simple jobs like fixing a snack and taking phone messages?
Is the child physically able to unlock and lock the doors at home?
Can the child solve small problems himself/herself?
Does the child know when and how to seek outside help?
Is the child prepared to handle an accident or an emergency?
Will the child follow the rules set for themselves and use their time productively?
Is the child capable of handling other children in the household?
Prepare your child to be ready for staying home alone and for emergency situations. Go over the following together:
The child’s full name, address and phone number.
Your full name and the address and phone number at your job.
The name and phone number of your designated backup person.
The phone number for emergency services.
Not to enter your home if a door or window is open or broken.
What to do if someone knocks on the door.
The location of a flashlight in good working order if the power should fail.
How to exit your home quickly in case of a fire.
The safety rules and routines of your home.
Review basic first aid procedures and put together a first aid kit.
Which child has what responsibilities while parents are away.
Establish House Rules and Routines
There are many important steps you can take to ease your worries and help protect your child while you’re not around. Decide together what kinds of snacks are allowed and how much, what things are "off limits" until a parent is home, and how the time alone will be spent.
Some working parents ask their child to check in by telephone. This is both a safety precaution and a way to hear a bit about your child’s day. Arrange a backup person at work when you can’t take a call. You and your child should agree on specific times when she can and cannot talk with friends on the phone.
For many families some kind of central check-in center at home is helpful. This can be a bulletin board or message area with magnets on the refrigerator door. You can post reminders for the day as well as important phone numbers.
Chores and projects can be part of your child’s afternoon routine. You should decide on specific times for chores, homework, and free time. Keep a weekly schedule and checklist for your child to use. This routine will help your child feel secure and responsible.
Go to unlforfamilies.unl.edu to let us know how child self care has worked in your family. Click on TIPS, then follow the links to the feedback form.
