Radio Commentary
In most households, summertime means a change of schedule
from the usual routine. When children are involved, this change can get tricky
to navigate, because children tend to be creatures of habit.
Here are
some suggestions to help make the transition as smooth as possible:
If children will be home alone for
a while, discuss your expectations and household rules. Tell children what they
can’t do, what they can do, and when they can do it.
Be very specific and try to cover
as many contingencies as possible.
Stage a practice run before you
leave children alone. Let them rehearse the routine while you’re away but
nearby.
They can call you if they run into
any snags, and you can show them how the situation should be handled in the
future.
Make sure your children know that you trust
them, and that letting them stay alone is helping them become even more
responsible. But be sure to warn them that if they can’t follow the rules, they
will lose the privilege of caring for themselves.
Post the rules on the refrigerator
door where they will be easily accessible.
As an example, many families allow
snacking but no cooking. Children should not be allowed to have visitors except
for those you have approved in advance.
Rules of this sort protect your children’s
safety while giving them a sense of importance and responsibility for their own
actions. It’s never too early to start on that important road.
