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Does Your Child Still Need a Sitter?

Pregnancy & Postpartum

tween kid laying on couch


HealthDay News

(HealthDay News) -- There's no standard age at which a child can safely stay home alone. It depends on the individual and his or her maturity and responsibility.

The University of Michigan Health System says before a child can stay alone, he or she should be able to:

  • Make appropriate decisions.
  • Handle an emergency.
  • Behave in a mature manner.
  • Be trusted to follow all the rules of the house.
  • Follow safety guidelines, especially in an emergency.
  • Use the phone independently.

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