Information for Parents

In Ontario, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act stipulates that children under 16 years of age cannot be left alone unless necessary arrangements have been made to ensure adequate supervision. However, age is not the sole condition for determining whether a child can be left alone temporarily. Though not limited to the following, here are some factors to consider:

• Child's level of development.
• Child's ability to communicate.
• Time of day.
• Length of time left alone.
• Child's maturity.
• Child's skill level.
• Access to a responsible adult.
• Safety of the home and neighbourhood.

If your child under 16 years of age acts as a care-giver, you must confirm that the child has the ability and judgment to properly care for children and has access to an adult in case of an emergency.

If you are unsure if your child can be left at home alone, please contact us. We are here to help.

There are 4 phases concerning the car seat for your child.

• Phase 1 - Rear facing seat. To be used until your child exceeds the weight or height limits of the car seat. The law states that the child must be rearward facing until the age of 2 years and up to a weight of 20 lbs. However, best practices suggest that the child remain rearward-facing for at least two years.
• Phase 2 - Forward facing seat. Use until your child exceeds the weight or height limits indicated in the car seat manual.
• Phase 3 - Booster Seat. Use until your child exceeds the weight or height limits recommended in the car seat manual. The law prescribes a minimum weight of 40 lbs. However, best practice recommends using the booster seat until the child exceeds the weight and height indicated on the restraint (45 lbs. minimum). The child must also be mature enough to sit upright for the entire trip.
• Phase 4 - Seat belt. By law, the seat belt must be used for a child whose weight exceeds 80 lbs or height exceeds 4'9". The child must also be over 8 years old. Best practices recommend the respect of 5 steps:

  1. A
     Back glued to the seat back
  2. B
     Knees bent at the end of the seat
  3. C
     Belt on the hips and not on the belly
  4. D
     Belt between neck and shoulder
  5. E
     The child is able to sit up adequately

Punishment is often used as a consequence for not following rules. Parents will frequently withdraw privileges or even spank their children to teach them to behave. This is a mistake. These types of consequences:

• hinder the relationship.
• hinder the mutual respect.
• lower the child’s esteem.
• do not allow the child to learn the proper behaviour.

Discipline, on the other hand, is much more effective. It includes important concepts such as good communication and establishing a routine and rules, while teaching children about their responsibilities within the family. Children know what their parents expect of them and learn that they are responsible for their own actions.

Family Transitions (see Positive Parenting Program)

Read the article in our news section 6 Tips for Talking to Children About Racism.