Tzeadim › 6–12 years

Self care · Milestone

Stays home alone for a short time

Most children: 10y–12y

What it is

Half an hour to an hour, in daylight, after a practised run-through. Israel sets no legal minimum age — it is a judgement call.

Start preparing

1. Start with fifteen minutes while you are nearby, and build up.
2. Agree the rules out loud: no stove, no door to anyone, phone answered, where you will be.
3. Emergency numbers written on the fridge: 101 ambulance, 100 police, 102 fire, plus a neighbour.
4. Ask them afterwards what felt uncomfortable — that answer decides whether to extend.

Related

• Knows a parent's phone number and full name
• Smoke alarms and a way out

Sources

• Bright Futures periodicity schedule — American Academy of Pediatrics · checked 30-08-2026

Last reviewed 30-08-2026 · Confidence: low

Compiled with AI assistance from the public sources listed above. Not yet reviewed by a clinician — check anything important against the source, with Tipat Halav or with your doctor.