Registration is now open for youth 4th-6th grade to register for the On Their Own and OK program, offered on June 22 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Washington County Extension Office. This one-day workshop helps build skills, maturity, and confidence to safely stay home alone.
Families can register their children by Monday, June 14 online at tinyurl.com/OnTheirOwn2023. Printed registration forms are available upon request. The $25 fee per youth includes handouts, snacks, and materials. Scholarships are available upon request.
According to Cherry Sandeen, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Program Specialist, “Youth left home by themselves without self-care skills may find ways to occupy their time that parents or guardians may not support. Some young people may truly be fearful of staying home alone without adequate education from parents, teachers, and community partners. On Their Own and OK builds skills in youth, as well as incorporates ways for parents or guardians in the home to support this step toward independence.”
Families who have had children participating in the program in the past have noted that the program reinforced how to act in an emergency, helped their children handle boredom without technology, helped them assign age-appropriate responsibilities, and care for young siblings who may also be home.
One parent said, “This is an awesome workshop! It has given my husband and me the talking points to discuss with our son, who is learning to stay home by himself.”
U.S. Census data shows that 7 million school-age children across the nation are left home alone after school and during the summer months. Fifteen states have laws defining a set age or age range for when a child can be left home alone. Iowa has no set age.
To register for this hands-on learning experience to help build youth confidence to safely stay home alone, please sign up online at tinyurl.com/OnTheirOwn2023 For more registration details contact Amy Green, 4-H and Youth Coordinator, at 319-653-4811 or amygreen@Iastate.edu.