McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 2002.1

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Every day thousands of children arrive home from school to an empty house. Every week thousands of parents make decisions to leave their children home alone while they work, run errands, or go out for social engagements. It is estimated that over 40% of children are left home at some time, though rarely overnight.

"Latchkey children" is a term sometimes used for children who regularly go home to an empty house. "Latchkey" refers to the house or apartment key often strung around a child's neck.

The popular movie "Home Alone" and its sequel have portrayed a child's survival skills in a humorous but unrealistic manner. The realities facing children who find themselves home alone are very different. There are many issues and potential risks and dangers that you should consider before placing your child in this situation. The issues include:

• age readiness
• your rules and expectations
• ways to reach parents or other adults (for example, phone numbers)
• potentially unsafe situations (for example, medical emergencies, fire, alcohol, drugs, strangers, guns)
• when and how to answer the phone or doorbell
• use of the phone
• friends and visitors coming to the house
• responsibilities for brothers or sisters
• use of unstructured time (for example, watching TV or videos)
• access to adult cable TV programs.

It is not possible to make a general statement about the age at which a child can safely be left home alone. Many states have laws that hold parents responsible for the supervision of their children. You must consider your child's level of maturity and past evidence of responsible behavior and good judgment. Older adolescents are usually responsible enough to manage alone for limited periods of time.

Limit the amount of time you are absent. Talk with your children to develop a plan that addresses each of the issues or potential problems listed above. In addition, strive to make your home as safe as possible from obvious dangers and hazards. Rehearse prepared emergency plans with your children.

Being home alone can be a frightening and potentially dangerous situation for many children and adolescents. Strive to limit the times when your children are home alone and prepare your children for how to deal with situations that may arise when you are gone.