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Things to Remember When Leaving Kids Under Twelve Home Alone

Updated on April 17, 2024
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I share my experiences, my emotions and believe in myself. I am positive, confident and love life.

Parent and child care

At what age should a parent leave their child home alone?

You may not think of this question being asked in this modern day, but I think it is still an important question. Many mishaps occur to any family, and a question such as this one must be asked by concerned parents.

Is it character-building to leave you under twelve years old at home alone?

Some mothers feel it is a perfect decision for their child to be left home alone.

Do you realize that the perfect decision could be your worst nightmare at some point?

I know of a parent who often leaves her under twelve-year-old home alone daily. This woman doesn’t seem to be as concerned as I am about the idea of leaving her young child home alone.

In her opinion, her child is old enough and doesn’t require constant care. Kids are left alone all day while their parents are at work and spending many hours with devices is not a healthy idea for any child.

Being alone at home at such a young age can scare the child and cause emotional issues. A noise heard from the outside, or a scary conversation told will make that child wonder about the worst scenario.

Some parents feel their children under the age of twelve are capable of being left home alone. A child’s confidence grows when left alone and the parent’s confidence too.

In our village children are safe, and parents don’t have that constant care for kids. Neighbours are nearby and no one is a stranger in our community.

It felt strange but then realized how parents raise their kids here.

The friendly community helps each other and that makes a difference for the working mother.

Confidence grows and responsibilities are taken seriously. Kids have mobile phones and know how to contact their parents if needed.

It depends on where you live and how safe your community is to leave children free.

What happens when your child is hurt, and can’t manage that incident on their own?

It is not a bad idea to leave your child home alone with no risks.

You think everything is childproof and very safe, but you have an insecure thought in your mind, and still have no choice but to leave your child home alone.

Your child is familiar with your home and surroundings, in this way, the child knows how to move around easily and comfortably.

Trust is an issue as well.

Would you rather hire someone to babysit your child?

It is an expensive way to go to hire a babysitter. Most parents are not financially secure to hire a babysitter. It is possible that you would find a broken vase, but that doesn’t mean your child isn’t irresponsible.

The problem with children when they are left alone, they begin to feel nervous, or excited and don’t know what to do first.

Unfortunately, they bump into whatever is kept on the side of the passageway. Kids need to be warned about opening the door to strangers or anyone else. It is not a good idea to answer the door when parents are not home.

This calls for serious matters. Anything can happen at the moment. Appliances should be off-limits.

Children gain their independence when left home alone at a young age this helps their parents and themselves.

Choking is a risk for your child!

  • Don’t leave your child alone if eating is a problem.
  • Also, if your child is disabled, never leave that child home alone.
  • Under no circumstances should you leave firearms in a child's view.
  • Their curious minds could cause a fatal accident.
  • Children under the age of twelve left home alone should use their time to read, listen to music, and watch movies.
  • I know leaving children home alone, especially those under the age of twelve is tricky.
  • It is by law an offence to leave your child home alone if they are at risk.
  • You, as the parent should know if your child is mature for their age.
  • Even leaving your child alone in the car is not appropriate.

Do you think children under twelve are capable of taking care of themselves when left home alone?

Children who still need supervision shouldn’t be left home alone.

Children can become sad to be left home alone.

Is your child mature enough to know the difference between a stranger and a family member?

Remember to leave your contact number with your child. Only leave contact numbers with trustworthy individuals.

Children are not to answer the door to anyone they are not familiar with including strangers. The other problem with children, they are not often familiar with people and can risk opening the door to just anyone.

Do not leave any sharp objects and knives for easy access to your child.

Let your child know your time of arrival back home and keep up to that time frame. Any medication or detergents should be out of your child’s sight. Make a clear instruction sheet in case of any emergency. A first aid kit must be left for easy access, in case of an injury.

Who do you trust to babysit your child?

Apart from the expense it will hold over your head, trusting some stranger with your child will cause more concern.

How would you know if your child is mature enough to stay home alone?

Whether you have one child or more than one child, no child has the same interests.

One child will follow the basic guidelines, while the other won’t find it necessary to follow basic guidelines. In other words, consider your rules carefully when leaving children home alone.

What is the age and maturity level of your child?

How many hours is too long for your child to leave the child home alone?

You must know if your child can follow basic guidelines.

Is your neighbourhood safe to leave your child alone on any given day?

Are your neighbours helpful and trustworthy to check in on your child?

Will your child feel safe when left home alone?

If you have older kids, they can take care of you under twelve years old. Only you know your child best, so use your judgment when leaving your child home alone.

You don’t want to show neglect when leaving your child home alone. Any parent concerned about their children will know if it is the right decision to leave them under a twelve-year-old home alone.

A decision that can ruin your life forever or the decision can show you, that your child is capable of responding positively.

Should your kids answer the telephone?

Are they capable of doing their homework when home alone?

Are they allowed to use the computer?

Do you permit your child to have friends over when home alone?

Are your children allowed to visit the neighbour’s house when home alone?

I have advised you on the things to remember when leaving your under-twelve-year-old home alone.

However, as much as I would like to feel safe in my heart to have left an under-twelve-year-old home alone.

I don't agree with any parent who chooses to leave them under a twelve-year-old home alone.

If taught well, children can focus and be responsible, but what do you think? In a split second, that child's life can change for the worse.

This can happen in a house burglary and your child can be snatched by robbers.

You will never forgive yourself if that happens!

Has age got anything to do with responsibility?

Children need to show responsibility

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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2017 Devika Primić

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