It is important to note that no two children are the same and parents must decide on a case-by-case basis what is best for their child. Therefore, in addition to the general guidelines listed above, a parent or caregiver should keep the following in mind before leaving a child home alone: „Our kids are now in their late teens and laughing at how exaggerated we were back then,“ Johnson says. When we came back – maybe 15 minutes later – they looked up from their video games and said, „Oh, you`re back. Okay.` It was a big problem for us, but not a big problem for them. The NSPCC offers tips on how to leave your child home alone and even has a questionnaire to determine if your child is ready. Often, it`s a good idea to leave your child for a short time and develop them longer as you get older. Your children who are left alone always need someone to talk to or call at any time in an emergency. Being able to go through crises on their own is great, but having an adult who can help them with that is much better. That`s why it`s best to have someone who can reach them, such as their grandparents or a trusted neighbor.
There are also last-minute babysitting apps that can help you if you can`t find anyone in an emergency. There are consequences if you leave a child alone illegally. Each state applies the same specific penalties for these parents, but they can also modify some of them to comply with state rules. If there is a suspicion that a child is being illegally left alone at home, the Child Protection Service (CPS) will launch an investigation to determine the child`s safety in the household. If the investigation reveals that only the child was in danger, he or she will be taken into the care of the State. The parent can also be prosecuted for endangerment or abandonment of a child, especially if the child is injured alone at home. Few states specify a legal age to leave a child home alone, including Maryland (8) and Illinois (14). However, most states have guidelines with the Department of Health and Human Services or other child welfare agencies that test a child`s ability to be left home alone. Factors may include the age and maturity of the child, the general safety of the environment or circumstances, and the precautions taken to ensure the child`s safety. I understand – there are many factors to consider when leaving your children at home. The last thing you want is for them to replay Macaulay Culkin`s performance in the classic movie Home Alone.
Developing the habit of listening to your children and giving their opinion on how to cope with risky situations – such as staying home alone – can quickly boost your child`s confidence in their own decision-making skills, leading to more confidence and a better outcome for the whole family. In a survey conducted by security company ADT, nearly 70% of respondents agreed that the ideal age at which children can stay home alone is between 12 and 15 years old. Only 3% of survey participants thought parents should wait until their child was at least 18, and only 2% thought a child 7 or younger could remain unsupervised. Leaving your child alone in the car can also lead to prosecution. In some cases, it is appropriate for young children to stay home alone. These reasons are not only valid, but also necessary most of the time. Sometimes it can also mean the difference between the child`s long-term safety. Every child is different.
Before parents can leave them home alone, they must prepare their children for certain circumstances that may arise. This action requires mentoring children by asking them specific questions and teaching them specific information, such as: Leonard also says parents should identify potential obstacles during these trials. „If you`ve lost your landline, which a lot of people have, and your child doesn`t have a cell phone, how are they going to ask someone for help when they`re home alone?“ asks Leonard. „These are practical questions that a family can assess and plan for. First of all, just because a child has the skills and behaviours described above to stay safe at home doesn`t mean they would be as successful with a sibling. „The reality is that these are skill-based issues, not age-based ones,“ she says. The skills needed to stay home alone can be taught and practiced at almost any age, eventually leading to a time when a parent feels comfortable knowing that their child has the skills to handle situations that may arise. In addition to the suggestions listed above, it`s always a good idea to let your immediate neighbors know that some days your child may be home alone.
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