At what age can I leave my child at home for short periods of time?
As far as I can tell provinces in Canada set no specific age for leaving a child alone at home. For example the Ontario Child and Family Services Act says that a person who has charge of a child less than 16 years of age cannot leave the child without making provision for his/her care or supervision that is reasonable under the circumstances.
You have to decide what is reasonable. Your judgment should be based on the entire situation including:
- child’s age
- how anxious your child is
- how impulsive your child is
- how long you are going away
- if there is someone checking in
- what time of day it is
You might want to chat with others who know your child or with his family doctor. Alternatively, you can call the Children’s Aid Society in your area to discuss it. You don’t have to give your name.
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I recommend that you consider the Red Cross Home Alone Program.. it is a program designed to teach kids things they should know before they are left home alone… and children often learn better from others…. in a workshop setting with other kids. I found the course brought up things to discuss with my children that I wouldn’t have thought of.