The start of school is less than one month away.

Soon there will be children returning home after school to empty houses. These children, referred to as latchkey kids, amount to about 14.3 million in this country from kindergarten through 12^th grade.

There is nothing new about children being home alone. The term latchkey originated in the early 1800’s when children wore the key to their homes tied on a string around their necks. In our current times, and with an increasing number of parents who work, there are more children who are home alone after school and many of them are left to care for younger siblings as well.

How do you know when your child is ready to stay home alone?

The first thing to know is if there are laws stating what age is acceptable. The State of Connecticut has no laws stipulating when a child is old enough, however, there are recommendations that no one under the age of 12 stay home alone and a child should be at least 15 to care for a sibling. As for other states, most do not have laws, only guidelines or recommendations.

Secondly, a latchkey kid should want to stay home alone and be comfortable assuming the responsibility. If your child tends to worry a lot or be anxious when he or she is alone, then he or she may not be ready.

Once the child is old enough and wants to stay home, then a parent can consider several other factors before deciding to leave the child alone. What is the maturity level? How is his or her ability to handle urgent situations? Your child should be able to show good judgment and follow rules. He or she should know how to get help and know what to do in the case of fire. Also he or she needs to know how to deal with visitors at the door and how to answer the telephone.

The environment also needs to be assessed. Is it safe? Do you have neighbors home who can assist your child if needed?

A thorough check for safety hazards is a must. This includes dangers such as firearms, alcohol and prescription drugs and kitchen appliances. If cooking is to be off limits then be sure to have plenty of snacks available.

Another good idea is to put together a first aid kit with your child and discuss what to do in the event of an injury. Make sure emergency numbers and contact information is posted in a prominent place.  

If you feel your child can stay home alone, make sure he or she has a house key or knows where to find it. Next to the phone, post the number where you can be reached and another adult.

When your child is home alone, he should have a list of safety rules. According to the State of Connecticut Child Welfare Services, here are some tips for your child:

When your child is home alone, he should:

• not enter the house if he sees something suspicious such as an open door, broken window or strange people. He should go to a neighbor's house, call 911, then you.
• not let anyone in.
• Delivery people can be told to go to a neighbor's house and repair people can come back.
• not tell anyone he is home alone. If someone calls, your child can say, "My mother (father) can't come to the phone right now. Can I take a message?"
• not go to anyone's house without your permission.
• Schedule a time each day to check in with one another.

 Teach your child:

• When to call 911 and what to say.
• How to prevent fires and what to do if one breaks out (i.e. get out of the house fast and call 911 from a neighbor's house).
• Basic first aid (some towns offer courses for children). Some towns and employers offer a "home alone" class for children; ask your town recreation department, school or employer.
• Try leaving your child home alone for an hour or two and see how he does before you do it long term.
• Each day, talk to your child about what he did during the day. Ask him often how he feels about staying home alone. Review safety rules.
• If you, or your child have any doubts, it is best to make other arrangements. Maybe another parent, college student, or local after-school program can help out.

Remember no matter how mature your child acts, he or she is still a child. Even if they start out well without adult supervision, they can get spooked and develop real fears about staying home alone by themselves. It may end up that you need to wait a bit longer.

If you need to find care for your child, check with INFOLINE (211), your relatives, neighbors and friends, your child's school, your city or town parks and recreation department, or a local YMCA/YWCA.