When is it safe to leave a child home alone while parents shop or run an errand?

Many parents believe there is a “law” saying kids under 12 shouldn’t be home alone, but in most states there is no law stating the minimum age that kids can be left unsupervised, just recommendations. In Washington state, the recommendation is age 10 but it is not a law.

P.E.A.C.E. (Parent Education and Child Empowerment) of Mind of Washington offers online tips to help parents decide when their child has the maturity and preparedness to stay home alone for short periods of time.

The group also offers workshops on the Eastside, including a “Strategies for Summer Safety” program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 at 2155 112th Ave. NE in Bellevue. The fee is $20 per person and advance registration is required.

The workshop will cover how to talk to kids about personal and physical boundaries and other strategies to help them stay safe when they are not with their parents this summer.

For more information, contact Kim Estes at kim@pomwa.org.