AT WHAT AGE CAN PARENTS LEAVE CHILDREN HOME ALONE?

Last week I was asked by ABC Radio (Sunshine Coast) to comment on this issue. Sometimes parents have no choice about this. A single Dad called into the radio station and said his children (aged 11 and 13) need to be home alone every week day from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. He is able to leave work and be home quickly should they need him. The children are happy with the arrangement and he feels good about his decision.

I think it is up to each individual parent to make this decision, using common sense and the innate knowledge that parents have about the capabilities of each child. It is necessary to establish that the children feel safe to be home alone and are OK with the arrangement.

In my family I had one child who could not wait to be “home alone” and another who took a few more years to feel comfortable. I would not advise leaving a child who did not want to be left. What do you think?

If this something you are currently considering in your family here are a few guidelines to help you come up with the best solution:-

How safe is your home?

Accidents happen! If you have no choice, it is important that the child left in charge is capable and responsible and that the other children feel safe.

Are the ground rules clear?

Every family has its own ground rules. Be clear about what children can and cannot do. Do not assume children know the rules. Ask them to tell you what they are. Who will be in charge?

How long will you be away?

Will it be for a few minutes, an hour, a morning or a full day? How long you are going to be away will make a difference to what you decide to do. You need to think about the age of your children, how they feel about being left alone and most importantly, how capable they are.

Is it legal?

There is no legal minimum age for leaving children alone, or leaving an older child in charge. Parents can be charged with an offence if children are left in a dangerous situation, are not fed, clothed or provided with accommodation.