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Home Alone Checklist

For families with older children, we have developed a list of questions parents may want to consider before leaving their child home alone. A printable version can also be downloaded for use at home.

Download Printable Version.

house with lock

Physically, is your child able to:

  • Lock and unlock the doors and windows of your home?
  • Do self care tasks, such as making a sandwich, using the phone and writing a message?

emergency light

Mentally, does your child:

  • Tell time?
  • Understand clearly what “stranger” and “emergency” mean?
  • Recognize danger and know when to get help?
  • Consider how their actions affect others?

two conversation blurbs

Socially, does your child:

  • Solve conflicts with brothers and sisters with little help from adults?
  • Talk easily to you about what happens at school and about their feelings?
  • Feel confident enough to contact an adult if a problem arises?

clock with 24 hours text

Emotionally, does your child:

  • Feel confident and secure when you leave?
  • Seem willing to stay alone for short periods? For longer periods?
  • Know how to handle fear, loneliness or boredom?
  • Know how to handle responsibility, such as getting to school on time?
  • Know how to look out for younger brothers and sisters?

house with alarm

Before you leave, show your child:

  • Where things are in the house and how they work.
  • Things in the house that may make strange noises.
  • Where the flashlight and first aid kit are located.
  • How to be safe in the kitchen, including turning off the stove.
  • Who to call or where to go if there is a problem.
  • What they need to do as soon as they get home (i.e. lock the door).
  • What gas smells like when it is leaking (if applicable) and what to do.

phone with conversation blurb

Practice with your child:

  • Safe ways to answer the phone and door.
  • How to get out if there is a fire.
  • Locking and unlocking doors.

list with pen and checkmark

Prepare for your child:

  • A phone list of people they know well who they can call if needed.
  • A list of house rules (for moments when friends arrive at the door).
  • Healthy snacks they can eat without cooking.
  • An extra key hidden outside in case they lock themselves out.
  • Fun things for each of them to do when they get home.

shield with lock

Protect your child:

  • Lock Up All Medicines, alcohol and weapons.
  • Put up smoke detectors and make sure they work.
  • Let them know what time you will be home; call if you’ll be late.
  • Ask them how things went; allow them to suggest changes in these plans.

If your child is not ready to be home alone, contact our office at 801-626-7837 to find an appropriate provider.