Don’t miss the full story, whose reporting from Carolyn Thompson at The Associated Press is the basis of this AI-assisted article.
Parents face the challenging decision of determining when their children are ready to stay home alone after school, with experts emphasizing that readiness depends on multiple factors beyond just age.
Some key facts to consider:
• Most states leave the decision up to parents, though some states have set age minimums. For instance, Maryland law makes it a crime to leave children younger than 8 unattended.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends structured supervision until about age 11 or 12, when most children can handle emergencies.
• Children should know basic information — including their full name, address, phone number and emergency contacts — before staying home alone.
• Essential safety skills include knowing how to dial 911, fix snacks, locate bandages and respond to emergencies like tornado warnings or smoke alarms.
• House rules must be clearly established, including keeping stoves and ovens off-limits and not opening doors to strangers.
• Emotional readiness is crucial, as children must handle loneliness, fear and boredom confidently.
• Parents should start with short absences and role-play emergency scenarios to build confidence gradually.
• Regular check-ins via smartphone every 15 to 30 minutes help ease anxiety for both children and parents.
READ MORE: Age isn’t everything when deciding if a child is ready to be home alone
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
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