Today’s blog entry is aimed at those readers who are parents and understands full well when there will be times in your life when you have to work late, or are held up arriving home and you have kids home alone or are dependent on other people to look after them.

With more parents now seeking employment the above scenario can cause somewhat of an argument in many households, as we all know teenagers will not want to be “babysitted” by a child minder. Teenage cries of “I can look after myself” are pretty commonplace, but are they really ready for that responsibility and how can you be sure that they will not injure themselves or worse : other members of the family?

As a parent you will spend many hours discussing all the possibilities about leaving your kids on their own. Going through all the pros and cons with your family, discussing all the options : Are they mature enough? Are they old enough? Can they be trusted?

However, there is no minimum age by law that children can be left on their own, but, if you leave your children knowing that it could put them in danger then that is illegal and you can be fined or sentenced if found negligent. (source)

Once you have decided that your child is mature enough to look after themselves for a few hours each day, you can add to their security and your confidence by making your home “child safe”. This can include removing or locking away alcohol, cigarettes or any dangerous prescription drugs. There are also defence sprays or rape alarms which you can purchase, to help add that little extra protection and hold back a few more worrying grey hairs.