At what age is it OK to leave your child at home alone? Here’s what Idaho law says

Shaun Goodwin and Rosemary Montalvo, Idaho Statesman

BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — School is out, and nan kids are location for nan summer, truthful parents and guardians will person to find ways to support them engaged for nan adjacent mates of months.

While summertime camps and different childcare options are disposable to support kids engaged and retired of nan house, only immoderate parents tin spend to enroll their children successful summertime programs.

Is leaving your kid location unsocial an action successful Idaho?

Here’s what to cognize astir leaving your children location unsocial successful Idaho and really to hole them.

WHAT AGE CAN A CHILD BE HOME ALONE IN IDAHO?

Idaho does not person a rule that specifies nan nonstop property astatine which children are allowed to enactment location alone.

However, nan Safe Kids Worldwide campaign states that children are typically fresh to beryllium near location unsocial astir 12 aliases 13.

Other experts opportunity children betwixt nan ages of 11 and 12 are okay to beryllium near location unsocial for a fewer hours a day, while children aged 8 aliases 9 should only beryllium near unsocial for 30 minutes occasionally, according to nan American Academy of Pediatrics.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD TO STAY HOME ALONE

If your kid is aged capable to beryllium location alone, making a scheme and mounting rules pinch them is essential.

Here are immoderate things you should do to hole your kid to beryllium location alone, according to nan AAP:

• Post cardinal interaction accusation specifications successful a visible place, specified arsenic nan refrigerator.
• Make judge your kid is acquainted pinch erstwhile and really to telephone 911.
• Have a first assistance kit that is easy accessible.
• Show your kid wherever emergency supplies are located.
• Show your kid really to move connected and move disconnected an siren if you person one.
• Practice utilizing room appliances if they are allowed to usage them while they are alone.
• Make an emergency exit plan.