Experts estimate that from 5 to 12 million children between the ages of 5 and 13 are at home alone for some period of time every day. In many cases, their parents either cannot afford childcare, or none is available.

There is no magic age when a child can be left home alone. Some children enjoy caring for themselves and happily accept the added responsibilities. Others occasionally are lonely, bored, and scared. The child's level of maturity, level of comfort in being by themselves, the length of time they will be on their own, and whether or not they are responsible for younger children in the home and their ages are all factors that need to be considered.

If young children are to be in charge of themselves at home, discuss the routines they are to follow - household chores, homework, family policies on visiting friends or having friends visit them, and what to do when the telephone or doorbell rings.

If you would like more information on this topic, please call 763-572-3626 at the Fridley Police Department.