SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JOB MARKET: WORK AND FAMILY : A RESOURCE GUIDE TO WORK AND FAMILY : Home Alone: Is Your Child Ready?

Project Home Safe, a venture of Whirlpool Corp. and the American Home Economics Assn., notes that there is no magic age by which children are mature enough to care for themselves at home. The following questions may help parents evaluate their child’s readiness:

* Is your child physically ready to stay alone? Is your child able to:

--Lock and unlock doors and windows in the home?

--Perform everyday tasks such as fixing a sandwich, dialing the phone and writing messages?

* Is your child mentally ready to stay alone? Does your child:

--Tell time?

--Understand what stranger and emergency mean?

--Recognize danger and know how to stay safe?

--Solve small problems on his own but know when to get help?

--Consider how his actions affect others?

* Is your child socially ready to stay alone? Does your child:

--Solve conflicts with brothers and sisters with little help from adults?

--Talk easily to you about what happens at school and about his feelings?

--Feel confident enough to contact another adult if a problem arises?

* Is your child emotionally ready to stay alone? Does your child:

--Feel confident and secure when alone?

--Seem willing to stay alone?

--Know how to handle fear, loneliness or boredom?

--Know how to handle responsibility, such as getting ready for school on time and looking out for younger brothers and sisters?

Source: Project Home Safe