About Today: When Is It Safe to Leave Kids Home Alone?

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Today From Jen Hubley, your About Today Editor I was part of one of the first generations of latch-key kids. As long as we didn't have a history of leaving our school bags on the stove or letting strangers into the house, we were pretty much allowed to stay home alone. Now, however, I hear there are more refined processes for determining when kids can stay home. This is one of many reasons why today's kids are going to overtake us by the time they're 20. When Can I Begin to Leave My Children Home Alone? Two states actually have laws determining when children can be left home alone. In most other places, you'll have to make that call yourself. Prepare Your Kids for Emergencies Readers Respond: "Before I Left My Kids Home Alone the First Time..." See More About:  staying home alone  children's safety  finding babysitters Is Your Tween Ready to Stay Home Alone? When I was a kid, there were no tweens. Only large children with extra hormones. The tween/teen distinction is particularly useful for discussing when to leave kids home. Readers Respond: Should Tweens Stay Home Alone? Determining Curfews for Tweens See More About:  child care  babysitting  children home alone Teens Staying Home Alone: Tips for Parents Most people agree that teenagers are old enough to be home alone. Whether or not they're responsible enough is an individual matter. Some teens were born at 40. Others will be 40 before they're out of their teens. How to Make a Stay-at-Home Contract With Your Kids At What Age Is It OK to Leave My Teen Alone Overnight? See More About:  teens home alone  babysitting  parenting tips 8 Ways to Find a Babysitter If you can't leave the kids home alone, here's how to find a sitter you can trust. 101 Absolutely Free Kids Activities 12 Free Summer Programs for Kids See More About:  finding a babysitter  childcare  Today Ads Kids Activities Kids Picture Books Kids Furniture Kids Safety Kids Tumbling Featured Articles 'Super 8' Movie Review The Best Cardio Exercises for Your Fitness Plan Top 10 Father's Day Rock Songs How to Control Dandelions 10 Ways to Avoid Bee Stings Follow Us on Twitter!   More from About.com Summertime in New England Whether you're into biking or ziplining, dining in style or discovering works of art, you'll find it in New England. More> London for Free Who says a visit to London has to break the bank? Discover more than 100 free things to do, see and discover. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Today newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Advertisement