Skip to content

PARENTING TODAY: After-school clubs are a great resource

The question of when kids can stay at home alone has recently been discussed in the media.
after school clubs

The question of when kids can stay at home alone has recently been discussed in the media.

Interestingly, no one law across Canada stipulates how old a child must be to stay home alone, but the Canada Safety Council recommends age 10 as a minimum, and that children younger than 12 shouldn't be left in charge of their younger siblings. Manitoba and New Brunswick regulations state that children can't legally be left alone until age 12. There are a number of considerations. The obvious first concern is the temperament of the child. Is he generally responsible? Does he think about the consequences of his actions or is he a risk-taker? Does he act impulsively or is he easily led astray? Is she a child who can comfortably entertain herself on her own or does she prefer to be with other kids?

How much time are we looking at? There is a big difference between leaving a child from time to time when you run out to the store or having her be on her own every day from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Is she on her own or does she have younger siblings to care for? If that's the case, the relationship between the kids is an important consideration.

The availability of other adults for the child also makes a difference. If there are other adults nearby whom the kids know and trust, you and they can relax knowing that if a problem arises they have help. Along the same lines, can the kids reach you if they need advice or support?

The final, but very important step to take when planning to leave kids alone is to ask the kids. They know when they are ready. My kids are 14 months apart in age and one summer we suggested they would be ready to be alone while we went out for a few hours. They were keen but made it clear to us that they would not be comfortable being alone after 10 p.m. "That's when the bogeyman comes out," they explained in all seriousness.

So when we were going to be out late in the evening we called a sitter. After about a year they decided they could handle the later hours.

But as I read this material about kids alone, my thought was that even a mature, responsible child would get bored and lonely. How much better would it be for him to be engaged with other kids in healthy activities in the after-school hours? And for many kids the Boys and Girls Clubs are the answer.

The staff at the clubs are all young role models and mentors for the younger kids who attend. They use activities - sports, homework clubs, creative arts, healthy food and cooking programs, leadership development, and safe access to the online world - as tools to connect with kids. The result?

Kids themselves choose to belong here for after-school, evening and weekend programming.

There are currently 12 neighbourhood clubs in the Lower Mainland and they are planning for three to five new ones. Go to bgcbc.ca to find a club near where you live.

Besides the after-school programs, there is also Camp Potlatch during the summer months, as well as counselling services and an employment program through Work BC. The programs are all affordable for all families. No one is ever turned away and BGC is always ready to negotiate with any family. Generally club membership is $100 annually with small fees for full-day programs when school is out. It is also important to know that the programs are for all kids, not just the underprivileged. Every kid is welcome and for BGC every kid is amazing.

A mix of trained staff and carefully screened and trained volunteers staff the programs. BGC staff offer counselling and employment programs.

If you have a club nearby it's a great resource for you and your children. They will meet other kids from the community and can stay involved throughout their childhood. They can even continue as they get older by becoming leaders in the programs or camp counsellors.

Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Vive la Différence, Who's In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.