The school will return to the session, bringing new routines and new milestones for students.
For some, this is the year when they are allowed to return to empty homes instead of after-school programs and daycare. This is a decision that many parents face, and their work and other duties will ensure they don’t go home until the school release time has passed.
and After-school care Often expensive and difficult to find, parents have a reason to encourage independence. But how can they make sure they are ready to navigate the house themselves, not just for an hour or two?
A handful of states have set minimum age values. For example, Maryland law criminalizes depersonalizing children under the age of eight.
But most states leave it to parents and guardians. Experts say that between 11 and 13 years olds can be a good starting point, but there is much emphasis on the equation rather than age. And they say that what is right for one child may not be the case for another child, even within a family.
“It’s not all-around challenges, and you really have to take it and get the big picture,” said Jaesha Quarrels, director of child care services at Oklahoma Human Services. “Inadequate supervision is a key factor in many preventable childhood injuries and neglect.”
This is what experts should consider when deciding whether a child is ready to go home alone.
Consider your age as well as maturity and skill
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends structured supervision until then, as most children are not ready to handle emergencies until age 11 or 12.
But it’s not that simple.
Brian Tesmer, director of treatment and operations for Family Resources, a nonprofit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, says parents want specific answers about how old their children need to be, but age is just one factor to consider.
“Children who are matured at clearly different rates strongly encourage parents to see many other factors.”
At the very least, children should be able to recite their full name, home address, phone number, parent, guardian, or other emergency contact names. They also need to know how to reach the person, experts advise.
Other things to consider are whether your child can follow the rules, handle the routine, and become engrossed in homework, toys, or electronics.
Can they dial the phone? Would you like to fix the snack? Do they know where they are if they need bandages? What happens if you have a tornado warning, a burning smell, or if the carbon monoxide detector goes out? Do they know how and when to dial the 911?
They can do that. Do they want to?
Having all that knowledge doesn’t mean your child is ready to get off the school bus at an empty house, experts said. At the time of High anxiety There are also emotional preparations to consider for American children.
“We’re busy, because often as parents, it’s convenient – we’re busy, we have things we have to do – we just leave them alone,” Quarrels said. “But we need to consider how our children feel. Are they confident? Can they handle loneliness, fear, and boredom?”
Communication is important, Tesmer said.
“This is a great opportunity to explain to our kids that this is a milestone that we come to as a family. We explore this opportunity because we feel that you are ready for this type of trust. We are confident in you,” he said.
Children’s home alone should not have any doubts as to what they are allowed to do, and more importantly, they are not allowed, experts said.
Stoves and ovens must be off limits, not just matches, candles and lighters. Children should be instructed to stay inside, not to open the door to anyone and not to reveal themselves to social media, gaming apps or callers that they are alone unless they are told in advance.
“Make sure your home rules are visible frequently and are reviewed frequently,” said quarrels, who recommended snacks and meals to be kept on hand.
Practice, get started slowly and use technology
To further reduce anxiety, quarrels recommends role-playing scenarios such as doorbell handling and dial 911.
And then she started to get smaller, she said. Parents can test the water by placing their kids inside while they are in the backyard or walking around the block, she said.
The availability of smartphones and home security systems that allow real-time monitoring and communication can also help children and parents feel at ease.
“If you leave for more than 15-30 minutes, you always check in regularly with your kids,” Tesmer said. “Fortunately, at this age using a mobile phone or tablet, it’s very easy. You can text your kids. Schedule quick calls and send pictures to each other at fascia time to ease their anxiety.”
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