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Home Alone: Is My Child Old Enough?
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Home Alone: Is My Child Old Enough?
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Whether for a few minutes or a few hours, all parents eventually ask themselves whether their child is old enough to stay home alone.
Ohio’s state and local laws do not specify a minimum age specified. Instead, the Ohio Revised Code says that parents are responsible for providing proper care and supervision for their children. Therefore, the real question isn’t so much one of age, but one of your child’s maturity and readiness and your ability to plan for safety, emergencies and activities. Parents need to look at their child’s maturity and readiness in three broad areas: Physical; Intellectual; and Social/Emotional.
Physical
Can your child:
Lock and unlock the doors and windows?
Use the telephone?
Operate appliances (such as a can opener, microwave, toaster oven, stove)?
If your child is not able to be reasonably self-sufficient in your absence, they are not ready to stay home alone.
Intellectual
Your child must be able to:
Read and take a written message.
Follow and give directions.
Understand and describe house rules and safety/ emergency procedures.
You must be confident that your child can do basic problem solving and make good decisions in your absence.
Social/Emotional
Your child needs to:
Feel good about being left home alone.
Feel confident in their ability to take care of themselves.
Be comfortable with limited social interaction.
Take your cues from your child. If they say they are afraid, lonely, or unsure of their ability to stay home alone, they are not ready.
If you decide that your child is ready to be home alone, click here for tips to ensure your child’s safety.
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