Every day thousands of children arrive home from school to an empty house.  Every week thousands of parents make decisions to leave children home alone while they go to work, run errands, or for social engagements.  It is estimated over 40% of children are left home at some time, though rarely overnight.  In more extreme situations, some children spend so much time without their parent(s) that these children are labeled "latch key children", referring to the house or apartment key strung visibly around their neck.

The movie "Home Alone", and its sequel, have portrayed a child's survival skills in a very humorous, but unrealistic manner.  The realities facing children who find themselves home alone are very different.  There are many issues and potential risks and dangers that parent(s) should consider before a child is placed in this situation.  Parent(s) should consider the following:

·       Age readiness

·       Definition of parental "rules and expectations"

·       How to access parent(s) or other adults (e.g. phone numbers)

·       Potentially unsafe situations (e.g. medical emergencies, fire, alcohol, drugs, strangers, guns, etc.)

·       When and how to answer the phone or doorbell

·       Use of phone, 911 for emergencies

·       Use of computer (internet)

·       Friends and visitors coming to the house

·       Responsibilities for siblings

·       Use of unstructured time (e.g. watch TV, videos, etc.);

·       Access to "adult" cable TV; internet chat rooms and adult web sites