Most parents with even a shred of common sense know that a 4-year-old is too young to be left home alone for any amount of time, even while Dad runs a short errand. But what about 10 or 12: Are those appropriate ages to leave a child home alone?
California, like most states, does not have a law that says, specifically, how old a child needs to be to stay home alone. That decision is left up to parents, and it’s an issue every family faces at some point.
Leaving a child home alone has some benefits, said Sabrina Schuck, Ph.D., executive director of the Child Development School at UC Irvine.
“Being able to stay home alone and care for yourself is a healthy part of a child’s development and builds confidence in kids,” she said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics lists 11 or 12 as an appropriate age to leave children at home but only during the day and for no more than about three hours. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends that no child under 12 be left home alone.
“It varies greatly by a year or two depending on race, ethnicity, gender and years of education, and there are a lot of different perspectives that are cultural norms,” Schuck said.
Experts say a key factor to consider is the child’s maturity level. For a child who is immature or impulsive, or has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety or another developmental issue, 12 may be too young.
“If you feel your child is developmentally ready and meets all these criteria and the environment is safe, leaving them for a short time while you are at the grocery store a half-mile away is probably the best way to start,” Schuck suggested. “Continue to assess your child’s comfort with being left alone. Find a balance between safe risks and letting your child find some independence.”
The California Department of Education offers a checklist of factors for parents to consider when assessing if their child is ready to be left home alone:
• Is your child scared to be home alone?
• Is she responsible?
• How good is the child at solving problems?
• Would he spend his time responsibly?
• Will the child be home with an older sibling, and if so, do they get along?
• Would the older sibling resent watching the younger child?
• Is your neighborhood safe?
• Will a neighbor or another adult living nearby be available for an emergency?
• Are guns locked away safely so the child can’t access them?
Set expectations
Establishing clear rules can help settle uncertainty, according to the California Department of Education and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are some guidelines to consider:
• Clarify which, if any, friends may come over.
• Make it clear which snacks the child is allowed to eat.
• Reinforce the idea that he should never open the door to a stranger.
• Teach her what to do if there is a fire, power outage, medical crisis or other emergency.
• Set guidelines for the use of things like the stove, computer, television, tools and swimming pool.
• Tell him to keep doors locked and make sure he knows how to avoid getting locked outside accidentally.
Schuck noted that there are unique challenges when teens are left home alone: “Poor health choices when picking what to eat, who they let in when alone, access to tobacco and alcohol.”
Finally, leave a fully charged cellphone with the child so you can call or text her to check in.
