Prepare Children to Stay Home Alone – FREE UW-Extension Video Program

Like many parents, you might be trying to decide if it is safe to leave your school-age child home alone during the school break or unsupervised while you go out. The program provides tips for structuring the children’s time alone so they have plenty of activities to keep them busy and out of trouble.

There’s no magic age at which children develop the maturity needed to stay alone. But there are three signs that your child may be ready.
Does your child:

  • Indicate desire and willingness to stay alone?
  • Accept responsibility and makes decisions?
    • For example, does your child follow your written directions for chores that need to be done while you are away?
  • Show awareness of what others need?

For many children, these abilities can appear between 9 and 12 years of age. Other children need more time.

Access the Home Alone video training online HERE

 

 

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