Is your child old enough to stay home alone in Delaware? Here's how to decide

It's summertime, the kids are home and you need to run some errands.

The kids don't want to head to the store and, honestly, you don't want to take them.

Can you leave your kids home alone? It's a tough question for any parent, but here's some help to aid you in your decision.

How old does a child have to be to stay home alone in Delaware?

There is no law in Delaware regulating an appropriate age for a child to be left home alone, according to the Delaware's Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.

When can a child stay home alone?

The American Academy of Pediatrics' website says most child experts agree around 11 or 12 is an appropriate age for a child to stay home alone. Here are some things to consider when making the decision.

• Maturity level and safety: Is your child mature enough to handle being home alone and able to handle themselves if something happens like a power outage or an emergency like a fire or gas leak?
• Trust level: Do you trust your children to think before they act? This is important for teens who may be tempted to experiment with illegal activities. Think about how your child responds to peer pressure. Also, can you trust your child to follow the rules of the house?
• Common sense: Will your child make good judgments? If your child grabbed the milk and it smelled sour or was curdled, would they throw it out or drink it?
• Keeping busy: Outside of video games and television, can your child stay busy with other hobbies or interests while you are out?
• Comfort level: How do you feel about leaving your child home alone? Talk to your child about the possibility and realize you know your child the best.

SUMMER FUN:⛱️☀️Welcome to our Delaware 2024 Summer Guide ☀️⛱️

What to do before a child stays home alone

Once you've decided to let your child stay home alone, here are ways to prepare.

Emergency plan

• Make a list of cellphone numbers, workplace numbers and how to reach family members and your pediatrician. Post them in a visible location.
• Have a first-aid kit available for minor injuries and teach your child how to use all of the supplies in the kit
• Show your child where the batteries, flashlights or other emergency supplies are in case something happens.
• If you have an alarm system, make sure your child knows how to turn it on and off.
• Make sure your child knows how and when to call 911.
• Go over the emergency exit plan. Make sure your child knows what to do if there is a fire or gas leak.

Establish the ground rules

• Are friends allowed in the house while the child is home alone?
• Is the child allowed to cook and what foods are off-limits?
• Is the child allowed to answer the phone or the door while you are out?
• What should the child do with your dog or cat while you are gone?