Question

What should I consider when deciding whether to leave my child home alone?

Answer 1

• Do you live in a quiet rural or residential neighborhood?
• Does the area have a low crime rate?
• Do you have an alarm system? Does your tween know how to operate it?
• Can your child understand and follow basic rules, like locking the door after coming inside and not opening it for strangers?
• Has your child shown good judgment in past situations?
• Do you have friends, family members, or neighbors who can get to your house quickly in case of an emergency?
• Has your tween shown signs of responsibility in the past? Examples include finishing homework on time without having to be asked and doing chores around the house.
• Is your preteen comfortable with the idea of staying home alone?