MCFR Chief: When Is A Child Old Enough To Be Home Alone?

"Parents often ask, 'When is my child old enough to stay home alone?' Decisions involving child safety go far beyond the law and require careful, realistic evaluation of each individual child's readiness," Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Bowers writes in his blog.

It's a question every parent must face and come to their own unique decision.

Bowers, citing factors such as emotional maturity, common sense and self-confidence raises the following questions to consider during the process of this decision:

• Does your child want to stay alone?
• Can your child use the telephone?
• Can your child lock and unlock the door properly?
• Can your child follow directions?
• Does your child know what to do in an emergency?

For more input from Bowers and additional resources, read the Chief's Blog.