With school out, many school-age kids will be spending more time alone this summer. Deciding when to leave your child at home alone for the first time can be difficult. The Peoria Fire-Medical Department offers these tips for making sure your children are safe this summer.
Though it is generally accepted that children under age 12 should not be left home alone, the primary determining factor should be maturity and safety as much as age. Whereas a mature, rule-following 12-year-old may be ready to be home alone, an impulsive, rebellious 15-year-old may not.
If you feel your child is ready to spend time home alone, here are some important steps to take before the first time.
Being left alone for a few hours at a time may be acceptable for your child but anyone under 16 should never be left alone overnight. Also, they may be mature enough to be left home alone; however, they may not be ready to care for a younger child. Make sure anyone who will be babysitting younger children has completed a babysitting course.
If your children are not ready to be home alone, consider summer programs at camps, community centers or youth organizations. The City of Peoria has a teen drop-in program, called Step Out that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for children in sixth through ninth grades. For more information, go to www.peoriaaz.gov/teenteam
