Thanks to the extended winter break, a significant number of students across the state will be away from school. This leaves parents and guardians with the challenge of finding engaging activities to keep their children occupied until the start of the new year. For those parents pondering whether they can leave their child home alone, here are some valuable tips and resources. Ensuring Your Child's Safety and Independence During Winter Break
Age Considerations for Leaving Kids Home Alone in Oregon
Oregon state law, ORS 163.545, clearly states that children under the age of 10 cannot be left unsupervised at any time or location that could pose a danger to them. Leaving a dependent under 10 alone can lead to a charge of child neglect in the second degree. This law emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the well-being of young children.On the other hand, while there isn't a one-size-fits-all age for leaving kids home alone, the nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide suggests that between the ages of 12 and 13, children may be ready to start having some independence. However, it largely depends on their level of maturity.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families also provides a fact sheet to guide guardians in this decision. It highlights that this can be a great chance for children to develop confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility. But it also comes with risks, and parents should consider their child's comfort level and ability to handle potential challenges.Parents should observe if their children can handle basic physical and emotional needs on their own, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding themselves. Additionally, children should be able to follow rules and make good decisions. The Children's Bureau recommends that guardians put a safety plan in place and enroll their child in a safety course to ensure they know what to do in case of an emergency.
Finding Child Care Near You in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care offers a useful dashboard at https://www.oregon.gov/delc/families/pages/find-childcare.aspx. You can also reach out by calling 211 or 1-866-698-6155 for child care referrals. Another option is to text “children” or “niños” to 898211. The site https://findchildcareoregon.org/ also provides various options based on location and children's ages.
Other Ways to Keep Children Occupied During the Holiday Season
Across Oregon, there are numerous activities to keep children engaged with guardian supervision. Outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and playing sports are great options. Museums and libraries also offer a wealth of educational and entertaining experiences. For parents looking for an all-day activity, here are a few in Lane County.Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at
[email protected] or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr. These resources and activities provide a diverse range of choices to ensure that children have a fulfilling and safe winter break.
