Are you considering leaving your child home alone once they reach a certain age? Every parent contemplates this at some point, and the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children has put together a great list of things to consider before you make such a big step.

Before allowing your child to go home alone, you should…

  • Determine if there are other community resources or organizations providing after-school care or support.
  • Ask your child how he or she feels about being alone. Is your child afraid to be left alone, or does he or she have the maturity and initiative to want to assume that responsibility?
  • Decide if you feel your child is able to follow directions and solve problems on his or her own.
  • Determine how long your child will be alone, accessible you or another trusted adult will be in case of an emergency, and safe the neighborhood is by contacting your local law-enforcement agency and checking the incidence and types of crime in your neighborhood.
  • Make sure you’ve set specific rules to be followed by your child while he or she is alone, and give your child specific instructions about how to reach you at all times. This should also include information about what to do if your child needs assistance and can’t reach you right away.
  • Remember you’re in charge, even if it is from a distance.

The article goes on to give you tips about what your child should know when the time comes for them to be left on their own. It is a huge step in both of your lives, but one that can be handled easily with this great list of reminders.