Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Home-Alone Children
Every day thousands of children arrive home from school to
an empty house. Every week thousands of parents make
decisions to leave their children home alone while they
work, run errands, or go out for social engagements. It is
estimated that over 40% of children are left home at some
time, though rarely overnight.
"Latchkey children" is a term sometimes used for children
who regularly go home to an empty house. "Latchkey" refers
to the house or apartment key often strung around a child's
neck.
The popular movie "Home Alone" and its sequel have portrayed
a child's survival skills in a humorous but unrealistic
manner. The realities facing children who find themselves
home alone are very different. There are many issues and
potential risks and dangers that you should consider before
placing your child in this situation. The issues include:
- age readiness
- your rules and expectations
- ways to reach parents or other adults (for example, phone
numbers)
- potentially unsafe situations (for example, medical
emergencies, fire, alcohol, drugs, strangers, guns)
- when and how to answer the phone or doorbell
- use of the phone
- friends and visitors coming to the house
- responsibilities for brothers or sisters
- use of unstructured time (for example, watching TV or
videos)
- access to adult cable TV programs.
It is not possible to make a general statement about the age
at which a child can safely be left home alone. You must
consider your child's level of maturity and past evidence of
responsible behavior and good judgment. Older adolescents
are usually responsible enough to manage alone for limited
periods of time.
Limit the amount of time you are absent. Talk with your
children to develop a plan that addresses each of the issues
or potential problems listed above. In addition, strive to
make your home as safe as possible from obvious dangers and
hazards. Rehearse prepared emergency plans with your
children.
Being home alone can be a frightening and potentially
dangerous situation for many children and adolescents.
Strive to limit the times when your children are home alone
and prepare your children for how to deal with situations
that may arise when you are gone.
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