Leaving your child home alone
In Finland there is no age set by law at which a child may be left home alone; the responsibility lies with the guardian. What matters is the child's level of development, how long the situation lasts and safety. This guide helps you assess readiness and practise step by step.
You will need
- The child's own phone or access to a phone
- A house key and a backup plan in case the key is lost
- Written house rules
- Contact details for a neighbour or relative
Steps
Assess your child's readiness
Think about whether your child can act calmly in unexpected situations, follows agreed rules and wants to be alone themselves. Many schoolchildren are ready for short periods in the first years of school, but there are big individual differences.
Start with short periods
Teach the emergency number
Agree on door rules
Set limits on appliances
Agree on keeping in touch
Make a backup plan
Talk about it afterwards
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