Age isn't everything when deciding if a child is ready to be home alone

Age isn't everything when deciding if a child is ready to be home alone

School is back in session, bringing new routines — and new milestones for students. For some, this is the year they are allowed to go home to an empty house instead of an after-school program or day care. It’s a decision faced by many parents whose work or other obligations keep them from coming home until long past school release time. With after-school care often expensive and hard to find, parents have reason to encourage independence. But ho…