- Behavior
- Parenting
- Safety
Can I leave my child at home alone? Answer these 5 questions
Staying home alone is very individualized based on children’s maturity level instead of merely their age. It should start with short periods, such as 15 to 30 minutes, and then extend to perhaps 45 to 60 minutes.
- Are they able to keep themselves safe for a short amount of time?
- Can you trust them to get an appropriate snack?
- Do they know how to call 911 in case of an emergency?
- Can you trust them to independently start chores?
- Are they responsible enough to know homework comes before TV?
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Related resources
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- Other
- Parenting
- Safety
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
NetSmartz — interactive website that teaches kids and teens how to make safer choices online
800-843-5678 Website -
- Behavior
- Health
- Other
Palm Beach County
Youth Services — local services and support for children, including mental health, education, summer and other programs
561-242-5700 Website -
- Behavior
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- Parenting
Boys Town South Florida
Based in West Palm Beach, support, services and information for at-risk children and their families in South Florida
561-612-6000 Website -
- Behavior
- Parenting
Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County
Positive Parenting Program, known as Triple P, offers free seminars and one-on-one guidance to help families improve the parent-child relationship
561-616-1222 Website Email -
- Education
- Parenting
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BRIDGES of Palm Beach County
Ten neighborhood hubs help parents raise children healthy, safe and strong
561-740-7017 Website -
- Behavior
- Parenting
Community Partners
Positive Parenting Program, known as Triple P — free seminars and one-on-one guidance to help families improve their parent-child relationships
561-841-3500 Website Email