by Ruth Speirs

Created on: January 22, 2009

There are many age appropriate decisions that a parent must make in the course of a child's life. Minor ones like, what clothes she can wear, how late he can stay out, what friends they can have - all rank up there in the top 3. Then the day comes when your "little darlings" are old enough to be left by themselves. Now your question is when can my child stay home alone? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Most states agree that 13 year olds are old enough to be home alone for a short amount of time. While this covers a person on the legality issue, it doesn't account for the young man's or woman's maturity level. I've known some 10 year olds that were much more mature than their age and I've known some 20 year olds that I wonder how they're left alone at all.

Being left at home alone is a big deal. Accidents, crime, and just plain childish inattention can cause harm to person, home and pocketbook. If you are contemplating leaving a child home alone make sure that you are comfortable with knowing he or she and your home will be safe.

First of all, rules should be well established in your home before leaving your child to his own stewardship. If you haven't done this or he is having trouble following the rules while you are home, most likely the rulebook will be thrown to the wayside while you're gone. Instill a sense of pride in knowing that being left at home alone is an earned trust. It is something not to be taken lightly.

A well thought out plan is crucial for any success and leaving your child or children at home alone is no different. It would be a good idea to have a list of emergency numbers readily available just in case something should happen and communication with you impossible. Predators use the phone and computer (via the internet) in conjunction with the innocence of a child to find out whether or not Mom and Dad are home. If you don't want them to answer the phone for anyone else other than family, a caller I.D. is great for screening calls. When it comes to the computer, there are several ways to block intrusive sites and hinder your child's natural curiosity of what they're not supposed to visit while surfing the Net.

Also, let a trusted neighbor know that you'll be out and more attention from them would be appreciated. Whether it is your child's friend visiting without your permission or someone looking to commit a crime, it is always good to have an extra pair of friendly eyes looking out for you and your family when you can't.

If you think there may be the possibility that someone else will return to your home to pick up your child before you can speak to them or in case of a medical emergency, you should develop a password or codeword that is only known by your family and whomever you designate to pick up your child. This can be used at home or anywhere and can be changed routinely to ensure safety.

There is no real substitute for parental supervision but with a bit of extra effort this rite of passage can be safe, secure and age appropriate.

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