There are several possible answers. Our version is the most common. We believe that this is the optimal age. It's not for nothing that after seven years of schooling begins. A person in this period of his life already has a lot of skills and abilities, which he uses quite consciously. However, you can not leave the child for nothing. It is necessary to prepare for this both the child and the parents themselves. You will learn how to do this correctly from our article.
Let's start with the verbalization of the problem - this is very important for the final decision. Today, parents can not always afford to devote all their time to the child. Often there is a situation where the child should stay some time alone in the apartment. Someone before, someone later, but this question is faced by all parents. There are many reasons for this. Sometimes it is necessary to go somewhere (to visit, to the store, to work), but there is no one to leave your own child: all the close ones are busy, and there is no time to look for someone "on the side". It is in this case, begins the divination and throwing of parents: can one leave or still early? It is believed that up to 7 years of age it is undesirable to leave a child alone. The minimum age to begin to accustom a son or daughter to remain is 4-5 years. However, it is very early. A child may not understand your message and just be scared. Just imagine how it must be difficult to realize the baby that he is alone in the apartment? It can worry terrible questions, like: what if parents do not return? What if something happens? Every unfamiliar sound can lead to fright. But it is worth noting that this issue should be addressed individually. Perhaps your child is from among small and independent personalities! The probability of the ability to fight fears accumulated by the age of seven is great. It is important to take into account the individual character of a small person. If the baby often cries and is afraid, then with his fears one must fight not by methods of leaving the house alone. Otherwise, the problem may worsen.
I will say more: with the fears of a child it is not always possible to cope without the help of a specialist. If any, do not be afraid to ask competent people for help. If your child is really quite independent, then there are ways to teach him to remain alone.
First, your absences should be very short (you can start with 10 minutes, gradually increasing). At the same time the child must definitely have certain skills so that his stay alone is safe.
The child must learn that the door can not be opened to anyone, even a neighbor or a policeman. The phone numbers of my grandmother, my mother's work, my neighbors should be written large and lying in a conspicuous place.
It is also necessary to prepare comfortable and safe conditions for the child. It is necessary to minimize potential problems - close the gas valve, lock the balcony, etc. If there is a doorphone, then it is better to turn it off, and if this can not be done, then teach the child to take the phone and immediately put it to make it clear that someone is in the apartment. The child must necessarily come up with an occupation. For example, include cartoons on TV. And, as a consequence of this, you, after returning home, will find both his and the house intact and safe.
As for food, you will agree, it is difficult to imagine that a baby one at home will responsibly absorb soup, so do not count on it. Better leave yogurt, cheese, sandwiches, pies, juices, cookies, etc. - besides, the child will be more cheerful to pass away loneliness.
Of course, the child must be warned about possible dangers, but do not overdo it, because he does not remember everything. Remember that security is not an excuse for discussion. Each situation must have a clear algorithm, in which the child must know what to do.
It is in this case that he will not worry, if he is in an unusual situation, and it will be easier for you: you will be sure that nothing bad will happen to the child while he is alone. time.
It is these skills that will be useful to him in the future life. And, as in more adult age, and in school years. Who knows how to plan his time, the child will be able to do well in school, at home, and in society. Perhaps, it is the periodic leaving of the child at home alone that will lead him to a dizzying career, because in this matter, independence and concentration are important. True, it's up to you to decide whether to leave it alone or not, there is such a need or it can be circumvented.