How Young is Too Young to be at Carnival Without Mom or Dad?

I never tire of the Strongsville Homecoming.

The annual four-day carnival on the Strongsville Commons at State routes 82 and 42 is a fixture in the city's history and likely a memory of some sort for everyone who grew up here. I've been attending for as long as I can remember, and my children are currently brimming with excitement that the event starts today.

As a parent, I'm anticipating a new question from my 10-year-old this year. I'm guessing he'll want to roam the grounds without adult supervision. Perhaps he'll want to bring a friend. But more likely, my 7-year-old will want to go with him.

How young is too young to attend a carnival without an adult?

Ideally, parents should stay at the site even if children are allowed to go off alone or in groups for any period of time. Sometimes this isn't possible or desirable.

The National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, reports that Illinois and Maryland are the only states in the nation that have laws defining parameters in which children can be left alone. The rest of us are left to use our judgment.

The NCCIC recommends guidelines based on the laws in Illinois and Maryland. Perhaps these suggestions will help parents decide whether to allow their kids to head to the carnival without the embarrassment of parents in tow.

* Children 7 and younger should never be left alone. These children require adult supervision and are not the responsibility of older siblings.

* Youngsters ages 8-10 might be able to be unsupervised, but time should be limited to no more than 90 minutes. Young teens are likely able to handle up to three hours without a parent.

* No child with emotional, medical or behavioral problems affecting judgment or decision-making should be left at home or in a public place alone.

* Children who go without adult supervision for any period of time should be fully comfortable with being alone.

* Safety plans are a must. Children without adult supervision must know how to reach a parent or other caregiver at all times. Discuss what to do in case of an emergency and how to make contact or meet up. Be sure the child knows actual phone numbers, not just the button on speed-dial.

* Children must understand guidelines for acceptable behavior and have a general history of making good behavior choices.