School’s out, the sun is high, and your kids are plotting the ultimate summer break. But between snack raids, screen time negotiations, and the lure of doing exactly what they’re not supposed to, summer break can raise big questions… especially when the kids are home alone.

If your child is in that in-between stage (old enough to stay home for a few hours but still learning the ropes of responsibility), you’re not alone. More families now than ever are navigating this tricky terrain. The good news? With the right approach, summer can become a time for kids to build confidence, grow independence, and earn your trust, without burning the house down!

  1. Know When They’re Ready

First things first: how do you know if your child is ready to stay home alone? Louisiana doesn’t have a legal minimum age, but most experts agree that kids younger than 10 aren’t developmentally prepared to handle emergencies on their own. But age isn’t the only factor; it’s about maturity, not just milestones.

Ask yourself:

  • Do they follow rules without reminders?
  • Can they handle basic tasks like locking doors and answering the phone appropriately?
  • Would they know what to do in an emergency?

If you’re unsure, do a few “test runs.” Try leaving them home alone for 30 minutes while you run errands and gradually build up. These mini practice sessions are like training wheels for solo time.

  1. Build a Safety Plan Together

No child should be home alone without a solid safety plan in place. Don’t just lecture—collaborate. Sit down and walk through “what-ifs” like:

  • Where are your boundaries if you want to play outside?
  • What if someone rings the doorbell?
  • What if there’s a storm or power outage?
  • What if you get hurt or scared?

Post a list of emergency numbers (yours, a trusted neighbor’s, and 911) on the fridge or anywhere your child will clearly have it in view (bonus points if you still have a landline!). Create a “check-in” schedule, whether it’s a quick call, text, or even a selfie with a timestamp to let you know they’re okay. And if your child has a phone, make sure they understand how to use it responsibly when you’re not there. We’ll let you set those boundaries yourself. 

  1. Trust Is a Two-Way Street

You want to trust your child, but they need to trust you, too—especially when it comes to telling the truth or owning up to mistakes. That means keeping your cool when things go wrong. Spilled juice on the carpet? Door left unlocked? These are teachable moments, not courtroom dramas.

Try these trust-building exercises:

  • Decision Days: Let your child plan their own afternoon: snacks, activities, and screen time limits. Then talk about how it went.
  • Emergency Role-Play: Play out “what would you do if…” scenarios with stuffed animals,  action figures, or siblings. It keeps it light while reinforcing key safety lessons.
  • Small Projects: Give them a mini challenge while you’re out, like emptying the dishwasher or reading a chapter of a book, then reward responsibility with praise—not just prizes.

  1. Keep Boredom (and Mischief) at Bay

Here’s the truth: kids don’t get into trouble because they’re bad; they get into trouble because they’re bored. Help them structure their solo time with a mix of activities that are safe, fun, and maybe even sneak in some learning. Bonus points if they’re free!

  • NOLA Library Summer Reading Challenge: Sign up at your local branch or online to join the New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun Program, open to all ages. Kids can earn reading prizes, pick up free craft kits, and enjoy themed events like magic shows, storytimes, puppet theater, and STEAM workshops. Tracking progress is easy with the Beanstack app, and participants are entered into prize drawings just for logging their reading.
  • Audubon Nature Institute Learning Resources: Families can access printable activity sheets, lesson plans, and interactive content designed to connect children with nature and wildlife. Highlights include Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh, a storybook with accompanying activities that teach about Louisiana’s wetlands, and Harry’s Big Adventure, an interactive website focusing on the fascinating world of insects.
  • Crafts & DIY Projects: Stock up on easy, no-fuss ideas from Pinterest or kids’ crafting blogs. Think homemade slime, friendship bracelets, or even DIY bird feeders. Most use items you already have at home (glue, paper, markers, recyclables) and can keep kids busy and creative for hours.
  • Neighborhood Nature Walks: Create a scavenger hunt list for them to complete around the yard or block (with your permission, of course).

Let’s be real: no plan is perfect, and no child is mistake-proof. So, as summer begins, take a deep breath. You’ve raised a smart, capable kid, and this season, you’re both about to level up.

This article was originally published in June 2025.