I had the same problem and worries about leaving my little man during the day. He goes to daycare twice a week where he has a best friend named Maverick. But $32 per week is expensive. I have a small tile area where I gate him the other days. I leave him with his bed, his monkey, water and a potty pad. I would like to find bigger gates so I can gate him in the kitchen. ( the doorways are too wide for my gates) Then he could look out the back door...but for now this works. I wonder if he will ever be able to stay home alone and wander the house!