Despite the existence of laws put in place by some countries that prohibit leaving children under a certain age alone, fathers have different schools of thought on this subject, in addition to the compelling circumstances that make leaving the son alone at home a possible situation that most parents may encounter.
In Britain, for example, the law does not stipulate a specific age during which a child can be left home alone, but leaving a child alone is a crime if that puts him at risk.
According to the National Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), children under 12 rarely mature enough to be left alone for an extended period of time, and children under 16 should not be left alone at home overnight, let alone infants and young children never left alone.
The "Findlaw" site of Thomson Reuters advises some age-specific guidelines for children who should or should not be left alone at home, which must be taken into account.
A child of 7 years and younger should not be left alone at home for any period of time.
From 8 to 10 years, it should not be left alone for more than 90 minutes, and only during the day and early evening hours.
From 11 to 12 years, it can be left alone for up to 3 hours, but not late at night or in conditions requiring inappropriate liability.
And from 13 to 15 years, it might be left unsupervised, but not overnight.
As for a young man from 16 to 17 years, he may be left unsupervised.
How do you know that a child is eligible to stay alone?
According to Findlow, this depends on the child, his personality and maturity.
Some babies may be ready earlier than others.
It also depends on their level of knowledge.
So parents must decide what is best for their child according to each case, no two children are alike.
If you have children and are wondering if the time is right now to leave them home, ask yourself some questions: How responsible is your child?
Can he be counted on to complete homework and housework without being reminded?
Does he usually make good decisions or does he prefer taking risks?
What are his reactions to unexpected situations?
Does he get panic or not?
Does he give up quickly and turn to you for solutions?
Using these questions as a guide, and knowing your child clearly, most parents can be able to tell if their child is ready to stay home alone or not.
Brittany Green says on the Birminghammommy website that after you determine whether or not your child is ready, here are some preparations that will better qualify him to stay at home:
People under 7 years of age should not be left alone at home for any period of time (pixels)
first aid
The only way to avoid panic is to arm them with knowledge of what to do in an emergency.
They need to know when and how to call the emergency number.
In addition to knowing what the real emergency is, such as a fire or injury, and what is not, making sure to give examples of when to call and not call the emergency number.
asking for help
If your son cannot reach you while you are abroad, there should be a list of trusted relatives and neighbors who can be contacted.
This list should be placed in a place that can be easily found or programmed into their phone.
Fire safety plan
Every family should have a fire safety plan everyone keeps in mind.
They have to go out of the house immediately, and only then can an emergency call be made.
Practice with them the escape methods and the locations of the escape stairs.
Utilities close
During your absence, one of the toilets may overflow and start to flood the place, in this case your son must know how to behave, know how to turn off the water, and where the main water valve is located in the house.
If you have natural gas, he should know where to stop that as well.
Blackouts
Knowing where to store lamps and batteries in the event of a power outage is essential, and it is not recommended to allow them to use candles.
Allowed devices
Make sure your children know what they are allowed to use and what is not.
For example, you don't allow them to turn on the oven or stove, but you could allow them to use the microwave instead, and then explain what they can and cannot reheat and how to use it properly.
Some parents use surveillance cameras available in their homes to check on their children (pixels)
Having friends with them
What is your policy towards friends?
Do you allow your son or daughter to receive friends while you are not at home, do you allow him to play with the neighbor’s son, you must be completely clear about this.
door bell
Setting the rule of never opening the door is almost a given, teach your child how to close the house and windows well.
Being outside the home
It depends on your child's age and the area you live in.
Is it permissible to use play areas and swimming pools in the residential complex during your absence? This must be strictly explained.
And teach your child not to go to other people's (even neighbors) home without your permission.
Your technology rules
How and when can he use television, computers and phones, matters that need to be clarified.
Your kids should know what they can and can't use, what sites or games are allowed and which are blacklisted.
Important Notes
Some parents use the surveillance cameras available in their homes for peace of mind, and to check on their children if they are left alone.
It is best not to leave siblings who fight a lot alone at home, with each other.
You must make sure that your children memorize your phone number by heart, to call you from any external phone in case there is an emergency.
Your kid's stay at home alone is just one step on the road to maturity.
It's a big step for both kids and parents, and everyone will feel better if it gets finished with preparation and practice, but parents should not get used to leaving little ones at home.