As children grow, we as parents celebrate milestones reached. First steps, first tooth lost or the
first day of school. Staying home alone after school is another milestone for parents and children.
With some preparation and advance planning this, staying home alone can be a way to build their self-confidence.
Each family and each child are different. As a parent or guardian, you need to consider the maturity of the child, your nearby support network and possibly how far away you will be.
Consider Your Child’s Comfort Level and Common Sense
Would your child feel comfortable being left alone? Does your child easily cry under stress? Seek to find out how much time they are comfortable with: 30 minutes, 1 hour or more than that. You can always start small with half-hour increments and work up to a few hours.
Other questions to ask:
- Has your child displayed good decision-making skills?
- Can they come up with a solution when there is a problem?
- Does your child follow through with responsibilities in general?
Plan Ahead and Problem Solve Together
Take time to talk as a family. Discuss the responsibilities of being home alone and what details your child may need to know while you are not there. Key contact information will be needed including parent and or guardian cell numbers, work numbers as well as how to reach another adult who can be called upon should an emergency arise. How will your child “check in” with you, to let you know they are at home?
Talk through common situations to help your child know how to respond/react:
- Is cooking allowed? What appliances can be used? Practice together by showing them. Then let them cook while you watch.
- Do you want your child to answer the door or the phone? What response do you want them to make?
- Review what is an emergency, including fire and all types of weather. Make plans for when your child should leave the house or shelter in place.
Doing a practice run before the child is left alone is a good way to rehearse how to handle situations and help your child gain confidence in managing the home while you’re away from the house.
Read more tips about how to prepare your child for the unexpected.
By Twila Perkinson, Certified Child Life Specialist at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
Learn more about Avera children’s care.
