At what age can a child be left home alone

The article examines the question of at what age a child can be left home alone. It notes that there is no universal age — what matters is the child's independence, responsibility, and emotional stability. Recommendations include assessing readiness, discussing with the child, starting with short absences, and setting clear safety rules.

The article on the Cursorinfo portal, written by Tali Malkina, examines the question of at what age a child can be left home alone. The author emphasizes that there is no universal age — the key factors are the child's level of independence, responsibility, and emotional stability. A rough guideline of around age 12 is mentioned, but it is noted that a birthday alone does not guarantee readiness. The article offers expert recommendations: before the first time, parents should assess whether the child can follow rules without supervision, knows the parents' phone numbers, and knows how to act in unusual situations (power outage, smell of smoke, water leak). The child's own desire is particularly emphasized — if they are afraid, there is no need to rush. The first trial should be short, such as a 10-15 minute trip to the store. The time away can be gradually increased while discussing the child's feelings. Rules should be set in advance: not opening the door to strangers, not sharing personal information on the phone, knowing how to act in case of fire and whom to call in emergencies. It is also worth discussing which appliances can be used and whether friends can be invited. Staying home alone should be a gradual step toward maturity, not a test of endurance.