Child alone at home: when is that possible?

Expert clarifies

Created: 06/05/2022, 09:00

By: Jasmin Pospiech

As children get older, there comes a time when parents wonder if they can leave them alone.

An expert is now making a clear statement.

Fürth – In the past, many parents didn't have time to think about whether and when they could leave their children at home alone.

Many were time-tense, educational institutions were rare.

Only the grandparents or other family members who lived nearby were there to look after the little ones.

But today's generation of parents is often insecure when it comes to parenting issues.

While certain methods were once considered normal, many today want to do things differently.

Child alone at home: when is that possible?

Expert clarifies

According to a social worker, no child should be left unsupervised until the age of three.

(Iconic image) © imagebroker/Imago

While some mutate into helicopter parents and circle around their offspring around the clock, others want to raise their children to be more independent.

This also includes leaving them unattended in their own four walls for a short time, for example to run errands.

But when is that possible?

Social worker Dana Mundt from the Federal Conference for Educational Counseling (bke) knows the doubts of insecure parents who are looking for help via the organization's online counseling service.

In her opinion, there is no “one size fits all” answer to this question, but there are a few clues.

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In principle, according to Section 1626, paragraph 2 of the German Civil Code (BGB), parental supervision applies.

Accordingly, (small) children up to the age of three should never be left unattended.

"From the age of four you should always check the apartment after 15 to 30 minutes, from the age of five after 30 minutes on a nearby playground, which I keep an eye on at all times.

From the age of seven, two hours alone at home are sometimes possible as orientation.”

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Child alone at home: It's easier from the age of three

However, Mundt ultimately points out that the parents are ultimately “the experts” on their own child and basically know exactly what is good for them.

They know it and are best able to assess it, according to Mundt.

"It's important to keep an eye on child development," she concludes.

After all, not every child is the same just because they are the same age.

While some are very mature and independent early on, others need a little longer to develop enough self-confidence to be able to be alone.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.