Leaving Your Children Home Alone
Almost every parent knows this dilemma: can a child be left alone at home without supervision, and when? Some children display maturity, responsibility and independence and can take care of themselves at an early age but this can be misleading. They are still children and therefore Israeli law prohibits leaving children under the age of 6 home alone without adequate supervision. Babies or children under this age must not be left home alone even for a brief period of time, not even if they are independent and behave in a relatively mature manner for their age.
Later, when you can leave children alone at home, exercise discretion regarding the period of time during which they can be left alone. Parents need to take several factors into account and take some preliminary actions. Adherence to the following principles can help keep your children safe and give you the confidence to leave them home alone, at an appropriate age.
The age at which you can leave children home alone
According to the recommendations of experts, which are based on the stages of physical and emotional development of children under the age of 6: children must never be left unsupervised.
Age 6-9
Children at this age should not be left at home alone, even if they demonstrate relative responsibility and maturity for their age. They are still unable to cope with dangers or unexpected situations. From the age of 6, parents need to exercise discretion and decide whether their children can be left at home alone.
Age 9-12
Children in this age group can be left home alone for very brief periods of time, for example, when you go to a neighbor or to the local supermarket for a few minutes.
Age 12 and older
Children can be left alone at home for long periods of time but here, too, the decision of whether to leave children home alone should be based on the children’s abilities. The parents will decide how long their children can stay at home alone, during what part of the day and how frequently. In any case, it is recommended to periodically contact the child.
Note
Note
No matter at what age you leave a child home alone, it is important to talk with the child about his or her time alone. Speak with the child, set expectations and prepare him or her.
Preparation for leaving a child home alone
Did you decide to leave your child home alone? if you are not calm, you are not alone. After years of worrying and remaining close to your child, or leaving them under the supervision of adults (grandparents, uncles and aunts, friends and babysitters), the stage in which you leave the child alone is meaningful and it is only natural to worry.
For children, even if they express a desire or willingness to stay alone, staying home alone can be challenging or slightly frightening. In order for both you and your children to be relaxed, this should be done gradually. You should begin with solid and organized preparation with the child that can make the time alone a good experience for everyone. You can also gradually increase the time you are away from home. For example, the first time leave for fifteen minutes, the second time for an hour, and so on.
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1Contact
Make sure that your child knows how to contact you. Practice with the child how to behave in various situations.
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2Indepencence
Make sure your child knows how to provide his or her basic needs, such as eating, drinking and keeping himself or herself busy.
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3Safety
Close the gas line before getting out of the house and leaving your child alone. The home environment must always be safe for children, and this is the time to make sure there are no hazards and that hazardous devices and toxins are stored out of the reach of children. Install smoke detectors and leave emergency telephone numbers in an accessible place. Make sure your children know who they should call, if necessary.
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4Internet
Remind your children of the rules of safe conduct on the internet.
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5Emergencies
Practice with your children how to behave in case of emergency, such as blackout, fire or if someone knocks on the door.
In addition, prepare an alternate plan, for if your child has regrets, for example, a neighbor who is at home while your child is alone, a friend who is nearby and can come to your home, and so on.
Before leaving the house, check what your children need while you are gone and prepare everything they need. For example, prepare a meal for them. For younger children, leave a meal they will not need to warm.
Babysitting younger siblings
- Children over the age of 12 is mature enough to babysit their younger siblings - as long as the younger siblings are older than two years of age.
- Children over the age of 14 can even babysit infants for short periods of time.
How do you know if the older siblings are ready to babysit the younger siblings? Gradually educate and prepare them:
- Speak with the older siblings who babysit the younger ones and explain their tremendous responsibility. Do not forget to compliment them on their maturity and their willingness to help, and empower them.
- Make sure the house is safe and free of dangers to children.
- Instruct the older siblings what to do in case of emergency.
- Tell the older siblings what the younger sibling can and cannot do and emphasize the differences between the ages.
- Encourage the older siblings to play with their younger siblings.
- Explicitly tell the older siblings that it is prohibited to leave the younger siblings unsupervised - not even for a minute.