Ladies -
This question isn't for me, but to help a co-worker. Do police departments, or fire houses, or schools offer certificates for kids in their tween years who are going to be latch key kids, and will be staying at home alone?
My co-worker has a 13 y.o. daughter who doesn't want to go to "day care" any more. Both parents work.
Are there state specific age restrictions re: how old a child can be before being home alone? Any good resources for this?
Thanks
http://www.nymetroparents.com/article/Safety-for-Latchkey...
I googled this and there were a ton of things that came up.
Knowing what to do in case of a fire, break in, etc.
GOOD LUCK!
Here is VA, there is no age law. I'd check with the local fire departments first, since they offer a lot of other services (car seat checks, free BP screenings, CPR courses, etc)... I think they'd give you the best guidance.
If my kids were 13, I'd leave them home alone. I was left to care for my younger brothers much younger than that, and we did fine.
Get the mom to read 'free range kids'... it will help her guide her daughter.
It depends on the state, here in Missouri there are no laws as to how old a child must be to be left alone. My younger son is special needs (Autism spectrum) and rides the short bus so he is dropped off in front of my house. They were willing to drop him off as early as third grade with my permission. I didn't take them up on it mind you but if that is the thought on special needs I would think a normal kid could do it at two.
Just google the laws in your state or ask the school.
If she cant find a class for latch key kids they do have classes for babysitters and usually the minimum age to take the class is 12, it would teach the same skills. Our town recreation dept has a class, look into local library, red cross, YMCA or YWCA and even local hospitals I'm sure you'll find a babysitting course.
I am not sure if it is law or just a well known recommendation here in NY older than 12 and for short period of time (not days and days; hours are fine)
Classes I am not sure of, just lots of education from the parents (Do not amnswer the door, NEVER say no one else is home, Mom is in the shower, Dad is in the bathroom can he call you back. No Computer until an adult is home. No eating until someone else is home (choking issues) unless hard to choke on Mac & Ch. 911 rules etc.
My kids did not want to go to daycare after they were 8.5 years of age. We had a German Sheppard who could argue against them coming home alone to such a protective dog. We had rules about answering the door. Nasty barking dog inside. The phone never say Mom isn't home. Two hours alone in a safe city and a good neighbor next door was okay for us.
You have to check the law in your area. A 13 years old is fine at home with some sensible rules.
Our hospital has those classes. I think they are really inexpensive or even free. So tell her to check there.
