At what age can I leave my child at home alone?

When can a child stay at home alone?

Hoday we are addressing a topic that concerns many of us: When is a child allowed to stay at home alone? This question is not only interesting from a legal point of view, but also from an educational and practical perspective. In this blog article, I would like to give you a comprehensive overview so that you can make well-informed and confident decisions about when your child is ready to stay at home alone and how you can make this time as pleasant and safe as possible for your child.

Legal basis in Germany

Legal regulations

In Germany, there is no specific legal age limit for when a child may stay at home alone. However, the German Civil Code (BGB) stipulates that parents have a duty to look after the welfare of their children (Section 1626 BGB). This means that parents must assess for themselves whether their child is able to stay at home alone without endangering themselves or others.

Duty of supervision of the parents

The parents' duty of supervision is a central aspect. This duty means that parents must ensure that their child does not suffer any harm or cause any damage. However, the duty of supervision is not rigid and depends on the age, maturity and individual situation of the child. Leaving a five-year-old child at home alone would certainly be irresponsible, whereas a 14-year-old teenager may be perfectly capable of spending a few hours on their own.

Court rulings and recommendations

There are various court rulings that deal with the issue of the duty of supervision and leaving children alone. However, these rulings are always individual case decisions and do not provide any generally applicable rules. However, some youth welfare offices and child protection organizations issue recommendations that can serve as a guide:

Children under the age of 7 should not be left at home alone.
Children between the ages of 7 and 10 can be left alone for short periods (up to one hour) if they are mature enough.
Children aged 10 and over can be left alone for longer periods (a few hours) if they are responsible.

Best practices for families

Assessment of the child's maturity

Every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to when a child can stay home alone. Here are some factors you should consider:

Sense of responsibility: Can your child complete simple tasks reliably?
Independence: Is your child able to keep themselves busy and prepare simple meals?
Safety awareness: Does your child know what to do in an emergency?
Emotional maturity: Does your child feel comfortable being alone, or is he or she afraid?

Preparation for being alone

Before you leave your child home alone, it is important to prepare them well. Here are some steps you can take:

Emergency contacts: Make sure that your child knows how to contact you or other trusted persons. Make a note of important telephone numbers and hang them up in a clearly visible place.
Safety rules: Discuss with your child what they should do when the doorbell rings or the phone rings. Also clarify which rooms or objects are off-limits.
First aid skills: Show your child where the first aid kit is and how to treat simple injuries.
Emergency plan: Draw up a plan for various emergency situations (e.g. fire, power cut) and practise these scenarios with your child.

Gradual acclimatization

It is advisable to gradually get your child used to being alone. Start with short periods of time and gradually increase these when your child is comfortable and coping well. Here are some tips:

Short absences: Initially leave your child alone for short periods of time (e.g. 15-30 minutes) while you are nearby.
Regular check-ins: Call your child while you're away to make sure everything is okay.
Positive experiences: Reward your child for responsible behavior and discuss how they did when you return.

Technical aids

Nowadays, there are many technical aids that can offer you and your child additional safety.

Many families fall back on the smartphone as a quick and easy solution to ensure contact when the child is home alone.
Unfortunately, this often brings with it the risk of high smartphone consumption on YouTube, TikTok and co, which can have devastating consequences.

Anio 6 children's smartwatch as a solution

A children's smartwatch is the perfect way to avoid high smartphone consumption, especially at a younger primary school age. It comes with the most important features and dispenses with everything that the child doesn't need and would actually only lead to more digital consumption.

Telephone function: Your child can call you or send voice messages at any time if they need help or just want to talk to you.
SOS function: In an emergency, your child can immediately make an emergency call by pressing a special button, which alerts you or another contact person stored in the system.
GPS tracking: The Anio 6 allows you to track your child's location in real time. You can define safety zones and will be notified if your child leaves these zones.
School mode: During school hours, all distracting functions can be deactivated so that your child can concentrate on lessons.
Chat function: Your child can send you voice messages and emojis using the integrated chat function.

These functions can give you as a parent and your child a reassuring feeling if they have to stay at home alone during the day.

Practical tips for everyday life

Employment opportunities

A child who is home alone should have plenty to do to avoid boredom and mischief. Here are some ideas:

Homework: Use the time when your child is alone to do schoolwork.
Books and games: Provide a selection of books, puzzles and games that your child likes.
Creative activities: Craft materials, coloring books and building blocks can keep your child busy for hours.

Meals and snacks

Make sure your child has access to healthy meals and snacks. Here are some tips:

Simple recipes: Show your child how to prepare simple dishes, e.g. sandwiches or fruit salad.
Supplies: Keep healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and yogurt on hand.
Safety rules: Discuss which kitchen appliances your child can and cannot use.

Communication and trust

Open communication and mutual trust are crucial when your child stays home alone. Here are some suggestions:

Regular conversations: Talk to your child regularly about their experiences and feelings about being alone.
Build trust: Show your child that you trust them by giving them responsibility.
Give feedback: Praise your child for responsible behavior and give constructive feedback when something hasn't gone well.

Conclusion

The question of when a child is allowed to stay home alone is complex and depends on many factors. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but with a careful assessment of your child's maturity, good preparation and gradual familiarization, you can ensure that your child stays home alone safely and responsibly. Remember that every child is different and that as a parent you are the best judge of when your child is ready. Use the tips and recommendations presented here to make an informed decision and provide your child with the safety and support they need. I hope this article has helped you to better understand the topic and prepare for the next steps.

Stay healthy and see you next time!