Home Alone - KATV - Breaking News, Weather and Razorback Sports

Summertime can definitely pose scheduling problems with parents who work.  Many parents opt for leaving their children home alone when they can't find childcare.  If both parents work, some parents decide, at an earlier age than others, that kids are safe being home alone.  Doctors say if a child is sick or younger than 10 years old it is not a good idea to leave kids home alone.  If a child is older than 10, and responsible, doctors say you can run through a checklist of things the children can or cannot do while they are home alone.  Things like, can they answer the phone or not, can they answer the door, or not, can they cook something, etc.  Also many parents feel more comfortable leaving their child at home alone when the house is locked and the alarm is set.  When a child is sick, experts say it is better to find a babysitter or stay home with the child.  Many states and cities require children to be at least 12 years of age before they're left home alone.