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Alyson Schafer Advice: When Is It OK To Leave Your Child Home Alone?

Parenting expert Alyson Schafer has the answer.

Parents tend to be reluctant to leave their children home alone because they think anything can go wrong. But in reality, you have nothing to worry about.

The Canadian Safety Council recommends 10 years old as the minimum age to leave a child by themselves, but it’s up to the parents and the child to decide if they are ready. If you don’t think your child is mature enough, then it probably isn’t the right time to start.

Once you decide that your child is ready, it’s always a good idea to walk them through the experience the first time. For most, that might mean accompanying them on the route home from school or going through the process of locking the doors together.

Watch the video above to hear more from parenting expert Alyson Schafer.

At what age did you start staying home alone? Let us know in the comments below!

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