Health Tip: Leaving Your Children Alone (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- It's important for a child to learn to beindependent and care for himself. But how do you know when a child is oldand mature enough to stay alone?

More...

when kidlet turned 10, we realized that we had to allow him to 'grow up' more

there was a program on the weekend at the University in town called "Home Alone" and it went over all the 'situations' that may arise while the child is alone............. they are required to review this information with their parents, get all the emergency contact numbers (the next door neighbours who may be home, the Dr's phone, 911 emergency for anything from a break-in to a fire, LEAVE the house if someone breaks in and find a neighbour, Mom and Dad's cell phone and LOCATION they will be at, family contact in the event Mom and Dad can't be reached, health care card and letter of permission for someone else to take the child for emergency medical treatment, and lots more)

initially, we left kidlet home alone for 1 hour while we went out for a VERY QUICK dinner from home (this was harder on Mom than anyone else!), and over the years we have become comfortable leaving kidlet for longer durations......... i think 3.5 hours is the longest we have been away

cell phones are MARVELLOUS for each party to have (1 for kidlet in case he has to leave the house quickly, and 1 for the parents, so they can be contacted at all times)

kidlet also knows that he is NOT allowed to touch the stove when we aren't home :)

sigh.......... and in 2 more years, he's going to prefer to stay at home for vacation........ looks like we won't be going anywhere either! LOL

found a link to the "Child Safe" programs available in Canada http://www.babysitteruniversity.com/

__________________
kate

When I was a child (ages ago) the law said that you couldn't leave a child under the age of 14 alone at home - I don't know what the law says now. D is now 13 years old but doesn't want to be alone at home though he is quite happy to walk around town alone. We are quite happy leaving him alone as he is very sensible (if a little dreamy!) - I think it comes down to a compromise between when the parents feel happy and when the child feels ready to be alone.
And yes we do make him carry his mobile when out alone.

Jane

Jane, the 'child safe' program 'walked' kidlet thru different scenarios and how he should react to them

it gave him a great deal of confidence to be home alone.............. now me............ i wasn't so calm at all! but we have to let them grow up sometime

lol

__________________
kate

Thanks Kate, I'll have to see if the UK does any similar schemes.

Jane

oh, i hope they do, Jane! it was invaluable, and i recommended it to all my friends with kids and they agree with me that the course is superb!

let us know what you find, so other UK'ers know what to look up!

__________________
kate