Home And Family

Nothing worries a parent more than when a child must be left at home after school. Today, more than 2.4 million kids spend some time at home alone. It is not an easy choice to leave a child at home without adult supervision but, for many parents, there is no other choice. What then, can parents do to safeguard a child who spends some amount of time home alone? Here are the most important safety tips and guidelines.

1. Children should call their parents as soon as they get home. This will give you peace of mind knowing where your child is and, most importantly, that they have arrived home safely. This means that your work and cell phone number is close to the phone.

2. Make sure your child knows how to lock all the doors and windows in the house or apartment. When kids are home alone, every door and window should be locked. Also, if it gets dark outside, have your child know to turn on the lights which will help the child to feel safe and make it appear that more than one person is at home.

3. If your child arrives home and the front door is open, a window is broken or if something just doesn’t feel right, you should help your child to understand that they should not even think about going inside. It is possible that the person who broke in is still there. Instead, instruct your child to go straight to a trusted neighbor and let them know what has happened. Then, have your child call you right away.

4. Your child should also never leave the home without checking with you first. Help the child to understand that you as a parent must know where they are at all times and how to reach you if they need to.

5. Have your child memorize all your phone numbers. This includes the work number and cell number of each parent.

6. You should talk to your kids about what they should and should not do in case of an emergency. In addition to the parents phone numbers that should be kept close to the phone, the emergency number 911 should also be listed. Don’t take for granted that your child will know to call 911. List it anyway. You should explain to the child that 911 will put the child in contact with the police, the fire department or a doctor in case of an emergency.

7. As a parent, we should never mention, even in passing, that our child may be at home alone. We never know who else might be listening or may overhear our conversation. Likewise, tell your child never to let anyone know that they are home alone.

Being alone does not have to be a source for worry if your child has an understanding of their responsibilities when they are home alone. Never take for granted what your child knows. Take a few minutes each week and review these important safety tips with them.

Remember, times have changed, even for our kids.