6/20/2023 0 Comments Home alone 4 common sense mediaHe’s very capable and mature, but he was only happy being left during the day: from dusk onwards, he wasn’t keen on being left until about a year ago. ‘My 14-year-old was okay being left for an hour from about 10. It’s something that’s up to parents’ discretion as we know our children best.’ I think leaving a child of 11 or 12 at home for up to an hour would be fine, but not if there are younger siblings in the house, and obviously some children at that age wouldn’t be okay. I would comfortably leave my 11-year-old at home for half an hour if he stayed upstairs, but as a parent, you should know your child well enough to make that decision.’ I was happy to leave my eldest at home for 30 minutes max at around age 11, but my 18-year-old has mild dyslexia and Asperger’s and he was nearer 14 before I felt comfortable leaving him. ‘I have four children, aged 21, 18, 11 and five. If you try leaving your child at home but find yourself worrying excessively, or if they get upset or don't follow your ground rules, it’s perfectly okay to go back a step and try again when they’re older. Remember, the decision you make doesn’t have to be set in stone. You might try a 15-minute stint while you pick a sibling up from a club first, and extend the time as they – and you – feel more confident. It’s sensible to gradually build up the time you leave your child for. This may not be the same every time: for instance, your child might feel happy to be left for an hour on a bright and sunny afternoon, but not on a dark winter’s evening ‘It’s important to build their independence at their own rate, and check how they’re feeling about being left home alone.’ ‘Parents are best placed to know what’s right for their child, but it’s important to think carefully and use common sense when deciding if they would cope,’ advises Helen. Do they feel confident about being home alone?.Would they know what to do in an emergency?.Are there any hazards in your home that could put them at risk?.Do they know how to keep themselves safe if they go online?.Do you trust them not to do anything potentially dangerous like lighting a candle or trying to use the oven?.Will you be able to check in on them by phone or text while you’re out?.How long will you be away for, and at what time of day?.With no laws prescribing the age at which children can be left home alone, it’s up to you as a parent to decide when your child is ready to be left.Īge is less important than maturity: for example, a sensible 12-year-old may be more mature and responsible than a slightly wayward 14-year-old.
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