First of all, there is no Wisconsin state law that dictates the minimum age at which a child can be left alone, but the age of 12 is often mentioned. Patti Herman, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin, explains that age alone is not the best way to measure whether you can leave your child home alone. Herman explains that, ‘each situation needs to be assessed individually, some 12-year-olds who may be more capable of staying at home alone than some 16-year-olds.’ Instead, Herman suggests that you consider how mature your child is and that you ask yourself the following questions: Can my child follow rules and instructions well? Can my child handle unexpected situations without panicking? Can he or she stay home alone without being afraid? Can my child say ‘no’ if his or her friends encourage breaking your rules? A child who is left with the responsibility of caring for younger children will need to have an even greater level of maturity than if they are only responsible for caring for themselves.

You will also want to consider whether your child could keep himself safe and occupied without your supervision and guidance during the entire length of time you plan to be gone and whether there is an adult available in case of an emergency. You may want to be more cautious about leaving children home alone in winter in case the heat goes out in the house. The location of your home may also influence your decision. Do you live in an area that is safe for children? Do you live out in the country far from neighbors or others sources of potential support to your child or are your child’s emergency contacts nearby?

Last, but not least, you will want to consider your child’s comfort level with the thought of staying home alone. Is your child nervous or scared about staying home alone? Talk to your child about any potential concerns she has.

If you decide that your child is ready to stay at home alone, there are a number of things you can do to help make it more likely that he or she will be safe while you are gone.

• Agree on ground rules when you are not home. For example, is it okay if your child cooks alone? Can your child leave the house when you aren’t there? Can he have friends over when you aren’t home? Can your child use the internet while you aren’t there to supervise?
• Discuss unsafe behaviors with your child. Talk about the consequences of guns, matches, medicines, power tools, drugs, alcohol, cleaning products and inhalants. Keep any unsafe items in a secure place, preferably one that is out of sight.
• Make sure there is an adult your child can contact in case of an emergency. You may want to talk to a nearby neighbor and see if it would be okay for your child to contact him or her if there is an emergency. Teach your child 9-1-1 and have other telephone numbers, such as where you can be reached, fire, police, neighbors and nearby relatives, posted by the phone.
• Your child should also know her address and directions so she can tell someone how to reach her if she needs help.
• Discuss with your child what to do if he becomes injured. Teach basic first aid and have a first aid kit available. Practice with your child what to do if there is a fire.
• Teach your child about possible contact with strangers. Establish rules about answering the phone or the door. Be sure your child understands the importance of not telling strangers that she is home alone.
• Make sure your child knows that he can (and should) tell you if anyone, including a family member or friend, does anything that makes him feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
• Provide things for your child to do when she is home alone. Set out a fun project and make healthy, easy-to-prepare, snacks available.
• Check-in. Call your child periodically to see how she is doing or have her call you when she gets back from going to a friend’s house.
• Praise your child. When your child does a good job, let him know and he’ll be more likely to do the same in the future!

Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin is a statewide, nonprofit organization that builds community resources, provides training and public awareness, and carries out advocacy activities in order to strengthen child abuse prevention efforts in Wisconsin. Founded in 1978, Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin is a state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. For more information, please call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit www.preventchildabusewi.org.