While several may have returned to work on Tuesday, many children across the South Plains won’t be heading back to school until next week, as they continue to enjoy their holiday break, some of them staying home alone.
In order to avoid the classic Keving McCallister situation, the Parenting Cottage wants to help local families prepare for leaving their children home alone, especially if it’s their first time.
“If you know this could be your scenario during the holidays or other times is to try first what we call trial runs. Go to the grocery store and leave the child by themselves you know somewhere where you know you’re going to be gone under an hour,” advised Carla Olson, executive director of the Parenting Cottage.
Texas is a state that does not prescribe by any law how old a child has to be in order to stay home alone. Olson advises parents that any age under 12 may be considered “too” young, however it’s more important for parents to take into consideration their child’s maturity level.
“There’s some 10-year-olds that are as mature, that they could stay by themselves and then there are some 18-year-olds who shouldn’t stay by themselves,” said Olson. “Below 12 however, you’re looking at a child who is probably not emotionally mature enough to stay by themselves for extended periods of time.”
Another tip Olson advises is to go down a list of appliances with your child that they can and cannot use while you’re gone, and to be weary of heavy furniture. Olson says there have been several reports of more young children who seem to be climbing book cases and dressers, eventually resulting in serious injuries.
“Even though they think they can stay by themselves when the reality of doing it usually the child finds out is a little bit tougher than what they anticipated.”
Although several folks may want ot go out for New Year’s Eve celebrations this upcoming weekend, whatever your plans, it may be a good idea to incorporate your children into them. Olson says leaving children home alone in the evening hours is a completely different scenario, and suggests if absolutely necessary, to consider finding a baby sitter instead.