Is It OK to Leave Your Children at Home?

Most parents would often ask if it is OK to leave their children at home without a guardian or companion. Some countries have laws that dictate on what age children can be left alone at home.

According to Stuff, the United Kingdom is strict when it comes to leaving young kids at home. It mentioned that around 500 individuals were arrested in Wales and England for abandoning their kids without any guardian at home.

It was highlighted that there are no specific provisions in the law of the UK about the age when children can be left at home. However, it states that "children must not be neglected or abandoned in a manner likely to cause [them] unnecessary suffering or injury to health," as per Stuff.

On the other hand, New Zealand declared it as unlawful to leave young individuals below 14 years old at home. The country said kids belonging to this age bracket still need the close supervision of their parents.

Parenting expert Janey Downshire told The Sun that it is hard to put an age limit on when a parent can leave kids at home. "I do think guidance is good but it's difficult territory to go to parents and say, 'You should do this, you shouldn't do that' as it does vary," she added.

Downshire explained that sometimes it would require the "common sense" of parents for them to decide whether they can already trust their children to look after themselves and the house. "You're much more likely to leave a 10-year-old child if they're with their 12-year-old sibling," the parenting expert said.

If ever parents decide to their kids at home alone, Kids Health said rules should be set to avoid children from abusing your authority. Parents should also make sure that there is enough food, water and emergency supplies in the house for the children to use.

Childproofing your home is also very important. Alcohol, prescription medicines, car keys and guns should be kept out of their sight.