by Franchesca Bisignano

Created on: May 05, 2009

Deciding when to leave your child home alone is a personal decision. It is also a decision that is individual to each child. When deciding to leave your child home alone there is questions you will need to ask yourself and also instructions and information that you leave your child.

When you are considering leaving your child alone you need to ask yourself how mature your child is. What will you come home to if you leave your child home alone. Will your child have colored on the walls and have ice cream spread throughout the house when you get home or will they be responsible keep the house clean under control?

Is your house a safe place to leave your child? You need to consider the neighborhood that your home is in as well the house its self. If you live in a neighborhood that has a high crime rate or other problems it is probably wise to put off leaving your child alone until they are in their teens. If you have a friend or neighbor that you trust you can ask them to keep an eye on your home while you are gone if your child is home alone.

There are a number of things you need to discuss with your child before you leave them alone for the first time. You need to clearly define where they are allowed to go. Are they allowed to play outside? If so, where are they allowed to go outside? Do they need to stay in the house? You need make sure they know what to do if they phone rings, someone comes to the door, or there is an emergency. Make sure you have a list of emergency numbers just as you would give a babysitter. Also make sure the phone is charged and easily accessible.

It is important to plan for the amount of time you will be gone. Will it be an hour, a few hours, the whole day? Depending on your child's age you may need to make meals that can easily reheat. You will need to decide what appliances are appropriate for your child to use. It is also important that you make sure that your child understands fully how to use it.

The most important thing to consider when thinking about leaving your child home alone is how you feelings about it if you are not comfortable leaving them alone you don't need to. You will know when it is the right time don't rush it. If you are secure in leaving your child alone they will feel more secure and confident. A confident child will do better alone than a child who is unsure of themselves.

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